Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has praised President Bola Tinubu as the first commander-in-chief to genuinely prioritize the Igbo ethnic group since Nigeria’s civil war.
Speaking on Saturday at an empowerment programme organized by Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Kalu highlighted Tinubu’s contributions to the region.
The event, held in Ndoki, Ukwa East LGA, witnessed the defection of over 3,000 members from various political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu described the mass defection as a testament to the people’s appreciation of Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Ndigbo, particularly through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo,” Kalu stated.
The three Rs—reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration—were introduced by former military ruler Yakubu Gowon after the civil war, which spanned July 6, 1967, to January 13, 1970.
However, Kalu noted that meaningful implementation of these promises only began with the signing of the SEDC bill into law under Tinubu’s administration.
“He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt,” Kalu added.
The deputy speaker also urged the new APC members to embrace Tinubu’s vision for grassroots development.
“For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing,” Kalu said.
“When these calibre of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others,” he declared.
