The Bende South State Constituency (Ikwuisi) Traditional Rulers Council has declared its unwavering support for the third-term re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, while dismissing claims of an existing zoning agreement being circulated by some vested interests.
The royal fathers made their position known during a meeting with the Deputy Speaker led by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Uchendu Okorie, Ekwo II of Akaekwo Uzuakoli, Bende.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Eze Okorie commended Kalu for his outstanding representation and developmental strides across Bende Federal Constituency.
“What you’re doing in Bende Federal Constituency is commendable. We are fully supporting you. Keep moving forward. We hear and watch impressive stories about your achievements in the news. It is not easy, but you are doing well. Be courageous and do not lose sleep over anything. Uzuakoli and all the wards in Bende are fully behind you.
“All of us here, in one voice, are saying you should go for a third term. After that, we can come to the table and discuss other issues. We are solidly behind you and we will walk the talk. Whoever is contesting against you is challenging efficiency and competence, and we will not allow that. You have done well and we are proud of you,” he said.
The traditional rulers took turns to express their confidence in the Deputy Speaker, praising his legislative performance, constituency projects, national influence and effective representation.
One of the monarchs, Eze P.C. Onyegbu, dismissed the zoning argument, insisting that there was never any zoning arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.
He stated that of all those who have represented Bende in the House of Representatives, none has surpassed Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in performance.
According to him, Kalu has distinguished himself through the execution of impactful projects, quality representation, effective oversight, strategic networking, and his ability to attract significant federal presence and development to the constituency.
“The issue of zoning has always been distorted. We know the struggles that brought us to where we are today. Of all those who have represented Bende in the House of Representatives, none has surpassed what Benjamin Kalu has done. In terms of projects, quality representation, oversight functions, networking and attracting federal presence, he has distinguished himself.
“A legislator must build strong relationships across the country. Without networking, you cannot attract meaningful projects to your constituency. His ability to build bridges is one of the reasons Bende is benefiting today. The image he created for the House projected him to the office he currently occupies. The position of Deputy Speaker is not an ordinary one. If Bende compromises this opportunity, we will live to regret it. His position is not only important to Bende but also to Abia State, the South East and the entire Igbo nation. We are proud of him and we will take his message and promises to our people,” the monarch stated.
Also speaking, Eze Patrick Udeh of Bende said the Deputy Speaker had continued to make Bende and the entire Igbo nation proud.
“God’s grace is upon you. You are serving us well, not only in Bende but across Igboland. Anyone seeking to contest against you should first show us what they have done so that comparisons can be made. The traditional rulers of Bende are not joking. We are fully behind you. Go for a third term without fear and continue making us proud,” he said.
Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed profound appreciation to the traditional rulers for their overwhelming support, prayers and confidence in his leadership.
He highlighted several landmark projects and interventions attracted to Bende Federal Constituency in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment and other critical sectors.
Kalu assured the royal fathers that he remains committed to delivering even greater dividends of democracy to the people if given another mandate.
“I am deeply humbled by your confidence and support. Everything we have achieved has been possible because of your prayers, cooperation and trust. I remain committed to providing quality representation, attracting more development projects and ensuring that Bende continues to enjoy the benefits of effective leadership. By the grace of God, the best is still ahead of us,” Kalu said.
