Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged the Abia State Government and the people of the South-East to acknowledge President Bola Tinubu‘s pivotal role in securing funding for regional development projects.
During the inauguration of several initiatives in Abia State last Friday, Kalu, who serves as the representative for Bende federal constituency, praised Governor Alex Otti for his dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of the governor publicly recognizing President Tinubu’s support for the area.
In a statement released to the press in Abuja on Saturday via his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu remarked, “As Deputy Speaker, I stand for the people of the South-East, and Abia is an integral part of this region. Having accompanied the President on visits to Enugu and Anambra-both states not aligned with the APC-I see no reason why I should not stand with my own governor in Abia.”
“From early morning until evening, I toured the projects initiated by the governor and commend his efforts. However, as a native and federal legislator, I echo the sentiment of Oliver Twist-we need more. It is crucial that we openly appreciate President Tinubu for making financial resources accessible to states across Nigeria, especially after the removal of the oil subsidy,” he added.
“The President did not withhold these funds in Abuja; he distributed them to the states. I challenge the Commissioner for Information and all media outlets in Abia to ensure that credit is given where it is due,” Kalu urged.
“The President’s contributions and assistance must be clearly communicated to all Abians, highlighting his support for Governor Otti,” he continued.
Kalu further noted that the Igbo tradition values gratitude as a means to encourage greater generosity. “If we desire more support from the President, we must first sincerely acknowledge his efforts so that he will be motivated to allocate additional resources for Governor Otti to further develop Abia State.”
Additionally, Kalu appealed to President Tinubu, represented at the event by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to consider the establishment of a seaport in the South-East. He argued that such infrastructure would significantly enhance trade and economic growth in the region.
He also called on the President to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties owned by Igbo residents in Lagos State, urging the Lagos government to permit affected individuals to regularize their documentation instead of resorting to destruction.
“The demolition of homes and offices belonging to our people in Lagos is deeply distressing. For those without proper documentation, I implore the President to appeal to the Lagos State Governor to show leniency and allow them to rectify their papers rather than demolish their properties,” Kalu concluded.