The Igbere Traditional Rulers Council has urged the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to consider stepping aside from the 2027 House of Representatives race for Bende Federal Constituency and respect the political agreement between the Ikwuisi and Umunna blocs.
The position was made known on Wednesday when the Deputy Speaker met with members of the Igbere Traditional Rulers Council, led by His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Ukaoha Anyanta, the Enyi Ezeji of Ibinaukwu Igbere in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State during an engagement in Igbere.
The traditional rulers said the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm their position on the agreement reached between the Ikwuisi and Umunna blocs concerning the representation of Bende Federal Constituency, which had been reiterated by HRH Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu
Eze Joseph Anyanta said he was present at the meeting which held at the palace of HRH Eze Patrick Ude and could confirm that discussions concerning an agreement over the seat of Bende Federal Constituency had taken place.
“We cannot say we are not aware of the discussion and agreement so far. I was part of the traditional rulers who met at the palace of Eze Patrick Ude, and I can confirm that there was an agreement,” he said.
The traditional ruler further appealed to the Deputy Speaker to reconsider his continued participation in the race, stressing that there was still time for him to withdraw and allow another contestant specifically Dr. Chima Anyaso of the Labour Party from the Umunna bloc to represent Bende Federal Constituency.
“It is not too late to withdraw from the race and allow our son from Umunna to represent the people of Bende Federal Constituency come 2027,” he said.
The traditional rulers emphasized that adherence to agreements remained essential to sustaining peace and unity within the community.
They maintained that mutual respect and the honouring of agreements were necessary ingredients for maintaining harmony among the various blocs and communities that make up Bende.
