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Benjamin Kalu

Tinubu Has Given Ndigbo More Than Votes Cast for Him – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi July 15, 2024

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has urged the Ndigbo community to express their appreciation to Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his services to the South-East area in spite of the current state of unrest and hardship.

During his speech at the APC South-East zonal gathering in Abakaliki, Kalu stressed that Tinubu’s contributions to the Igbo people have outweighed the votes he garnered from the area in the elections.

Kalu stated, “Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo more than the vote cast for him during the elections.

APC Leaders Urge Deputy Speaker Kalu To Take Charge of Party In South East

“It is presently left for us to repay him for his good works because when one shows appreciation, he gets more,” he added.

During his speech, APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also announced the party’s plans to stop Igbos from being marginalised and to give them more influence in national politics. He called for sustained solidarity and support and applauded the appointments that Tinubu’s administration has made available to the zone.

“The present appointments offered the zone by Bola Tinubu’s administration is heartwarming and with more involvement in the party’s affairs, more would be achieved.

“We must break this cycle of marginalisation with determination, unity and total support to the party and Bola Tinubu led administration,” Ganduje said.

In addition, Ganduje praised the states of Imo and Ebonyi for their efforts in publicising the party’s events and emphasised the significance of winning over Anambra, Enugu, and Abia.

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Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru acknowledged the party’s long history in the state and the South-East while thanking the group for the meeting. He ascribed the state’s inclusive policies to the recent mass exodus of opposition stakeholders to the APC.

“The massive defection of opposition stakeholders to APC on July 13 attests to the fact that persuasion works more than bickering and fighting,” he said.

Kalu continued by highlighting the benefits that the Igbo people have received, including being assigned important posts within Tinubu’s administration.

Now finalised and awaiting Tinubu’s approval, the South-East Development Commission law is a significant step towards tackling the difficulties the region faces.

July 15, 2024

House of Representatives Urges Immediate Action to Combat Cholera Outbreak

by Sopuru Sopuru July 2, 2024

written by Sopuru Sopuru 2 minutes read

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to swiftly implement measures to curb the spread of cholera across Nigeria. This resolution followed a motion of public urgent importance moved by House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, titled “Urgent need to check the outbreak of cholera in Lagos and other parts of the country.”

During a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House urged both the Federal and state governments to take immediate action to control the cholera outbreak. The legislative chamber also mandated its Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values to initiate rigorous public orientation, enlightenment, and education campaigns on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene.

Furthermore, the Committee on Healthcare Services was tasked with liaising with relevant stakeholders in the health sector to investigate the root cause of the outbreak and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action and intervention.

Chinda expressed deep concern over the public and personal health risks faced by Nigerians due to the lack of access to clean water, poor sanitation, and inadequate personal hygiene. He emphasized the alarming rate at which cholera has spread across Lagos and other parts of the country, noting the government’s current shortage of vaccines to effectively tackle the outbreak as the death toll continues to rise.

“There is an urgent need for quick action/intervention by the federal and respective state governments to curb the disease from further spread across the country,” Chinda stated. He warned that without immediate and proactive measures, the cholera outbreak could escalate further, posing a significant threat to the health of the citizenry and the nation as a whole.

The cholera outbreak, which began in Lagos State, has rapidly spread to other regions, raising serious concerns among citizens and stakeholders. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has reported numerous deaths and the disease has now affected approximately 31 states, including Abia, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Zamfara.

Anaedoonline

July 2, 2024

“N5 Billion Paid as Ransom to Kidnappers Since 2016,” – Reps Deputy Speaker Reveals

by Victor Ndubuisi April 22, 2024

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, disclosed that since 2016, kidnappers in Nigeria have reportedly received ransom payments totaling over N5 billion.

Speaking at the House of Representatives-organized national discourse on state policing, Kalu highlighted the nation’s alarmingly growing criminal business.

He emphasised the alarming security scenario as evidenced by the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, which placed Nigeria tenth overall and fourth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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In order to prioritise local security and create a more responsive policing environment, Kalu emphasised the critical necessity for a multi-layered policing approach.

Kalu stated, “These statistics underscore the urgent need for a multi-layered policing approach that prioritizes local security and enables a more responsive policing environment in Nigeria.

He emphasised the momentum that the state policing discourse has garnered, especially during the emergency meeting between Governors and Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in February 2024.

The information provided highlights state policing as a national priority, demonstrating a profound comprehension of the need for an innovative strategy to address insecurity.

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Although there are differing views among Nigerians about how to address the country’s security issues, Kalu pointed out that one school of thought supports a return to multilayered policing.

April 22, 2024

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UPDATE: ‘Lawmakers’ Need More Salaries’ – Dep Speaker, Benjamin Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi February 27, 2024

written by Victor Ndubuisi 4 minutes read

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated on Monday that federal legislators’ current pay is insufficient to enable them to successfully perform their elected duties.

Kalu pleaded for understanding, stressing that the average lawmaker’s take-home wage is substantially less than what is often believed.

He said that the suggestion made by some to cut their pay by 50% is not the solution to the current problem.

During his Monday interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Kalu said these things.

Tribunal Takes Decision On Election Of Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu

Kalu said, “At the moment, talking about the salary of the National Assembly. I have said this over and again, it is not as much as people think. Salary is different from allowance, which is meant to do the jobs our constituents have sent us to do.

“Nobody is allowed to touch allowances. It is the salary that belongs to you. Allowances have no subheadings for which they are made for. If you use it wrongly, when you are retiring it, you will be sanctioned for that.

“So talking about the salaries of the National Assembly, it is a far cry from what is supposed to be. And I can assure you that even if we reduce it by 50 per cent or 80 per cent, it will not really impact what the Nigerian lawmakers should be earning, which does not go in tandem with the economic situation of the country.

“I can assure you that based on economic indices at the moment, inflation rate and the rest of them, the amount members of the National Assembly receive cannot actually take them home to do their their jobs in their various constituencies.

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“Considering the cost of transport, running constituency offices and the number of maintaining aides who are supposed to have you achieve what the mandate of that office demands, it is not a discussion that will add value to the crisis we are faced with.

“But I can assure you they will be willing to adjust. If that is what will move Nigeria to the next level, why not? After all, we did not send ourselves there. We were voted in by the constituents.”

The lawmaker from Abia praised President Bola Tinubu for his audacious choice to order the full implementation of the Steve Oronsaye panel’s 2012 recommendations. According to Tinubu’s direction, a committee will be formed and given a 12-week deadline to carry out the mergers, abolitions, and relocations of the 541 parastatals, commissions, and agencies that belong to the Federal Government.

“Like you rightly pointed out, you mentioned cutting cost of governance. This shows that when you look at the President’s body language and determination, he is intentional about reducing the cost of running the government. If he’s not, he will not be looking for that document.

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“I want to thank him for (that) because some of the issues mentioned in that report, we are going to use them as source materials for the work we are doing on Constitution review. And we’re happy that Mr President is forward thinking for him to embrace that report. He means well for Nigeria, especially during this period when we are facing a lot of challenges. In reducing the cost of running government, the need for it cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

February 27, 2024

Negotiations Underway to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release — Deputy Speaker, Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi January 3, 2024

written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

Negotiations to gain the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), are reportedly ongoing, according to Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

When Kanu was first taken into custody on October 14, 2015, he was charged with eleven felonies, including treason, managing an illegal society, and illegal firearm ownership. In 2017, he entered a not guilty plea and was given bail. But Kanu left Nigeria after his family’s home was invaded by the military.

After that, the Federal Government requested that his bail be revoked, and in 2019 Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted their request. Additionally, the court ordered Kanu’s arrest, which resulted in his apprehension and forced deportation to Nigeria by a combined team of security agents and international police.

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Kanu was re-arrested on a revised 15-count accusation upon his return, most of which bordered on treasonable criminality. Lead by constitutional attorney Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s legal team contended that the illegality of the procedure used to bring him into the country rendered the accusation defective and deprived the court of jurisdiction.

After then, the court decided to drop eight of the fifteen counts and mandated that Kanu face trial for the remaining allegations. Kanu, dissatisfied, went to the appeal court to contest the ruling, which prompted the federal government to request remedy from the Supreme Court. On December 15, the Supreme Court ordered Kanu’s retrial and overturned the appeal court’s decision.

Speaking on FLO FM’s “South East Political Roundtable,” a current affairs programme in Umuahia, Kalu affirmed that negotiations to release Kanu were still taking on. He counselled young people in the South East to abandon the IPOB’s sit-at-home campaign since it was deterring investors from investing in the area.

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Kalu said, “We can’t put all our programmes and plans on social media. He’s my brother. Is he in the mix of what we are trying to do? Yes! It’s one of our agendas to ensure he’s released. Who wants their brother to be in jail? We are working underground. There’s a detailed strategy. It’s not by violence, you can’t coerce the government through violence. It has never worked and won’t work. Let’s be wiser. The wisdom is in peace. Let’s quench the violence. If it’s chaotic, it won’t work. Let’s cool down. Let the man see that you’ve recognised he didn’t contribute to locking him up and that he has not done anything to the South East. We should support him and his government and not attack him. I’m standing firmly against the voice of violence, preaching peace. That is what I’m here for, this voice of peace will echo through the Villa and he will come out. Mr President was happy with what happened in Bende and that the whole country could gather together and support this project.”

Speaking about the recently launched Peace In South East Project in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu also urged those in possession of weapons to give them up and support the initiative’s non-kinetic approach to putting an end to security issues and other popular agitations.

January 3, 2024

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UPDATE: Ben Kalu Reacts To Allegation Of Anti-Party Activities

by Victor Ndubuisi October 25, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has claimed he is too busy to engage in anti-party operations against anyone.

According to Anaedoonline.ng, Usman Shuaibu, the National Coordinator of the Progressive League of All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth, charged Kalu of anti-party activities during a press briefing yesterday.

In the most recent presidential election, Shuaibu charged Kalu with working against the APC under the pretext of religious and ethnic passion and lowering the party’s margin of victory.

APC Leaders Urge Deputy Speaker Kalu To Take Charge of Party In South East

The coordinator of the group further charged that the deputy speaker was conspiring against Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labour and productivity.

He said the deputy speaker shouldn’t be concerned about the progress Onyejeocha has made, even if he hasn’t returned to the lower house of parliament.

Therefore, before Kalu totally destroys the party in Abia state, Shaibu asked the party’s national leadership to summon Kalu to order.

But in reaction, Kalu alleged that the accusation was a hoax and a calculated scheme to drive a wedge between him and Onyejeocha.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his chief press secretary, the deputy speaker said he was too preoccupied with tasks to take part in any slanderous campaign against Onyejeocha.

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Kalu clarified that he views Onyejeocha as a partner in government because there is no political animosity between them.

The legislator claimed that even before Onyejiocha was ordained, he had seized every chance to urge the Abia APC leaders to unite behind her.

When it came to the legal struggle that resulted in his triumph at the Court of Appeal, which upheld his electoral mandate after LP and AA fought valiantly to overturn it, Kalu urged the minister to come honest rather than harbour any resentment towards him.

He said that he would not submit to cowardice or any other kind of servitude, nor would he tolerate being blatantly or surreptitiously sidetracked from his work by someone demanding for his sanction in whatever guise.

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“But the fact that Onyejiocha has not yet dissociated herself from the press conference leaves a huge worry and casts aspersions on her person as to what manner of a minister would be creating an impression of someone deliberately courting trouble where none exists.

“From what is conceivably right and true Onyejiocha is a sister whose integrity would be brutally assaulted by a group that chooses to drag her name to raising false accusations,” he said.

October 25, 2023

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Tribunal Takes Decision On Election Of Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi August 22, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 1 minutes read

The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, which was in session on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State, affirmed Benjamin Kalu’s election victory as the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker.

In its decision, the tribunal’s three-person panel denied the case filed by Labour Party (LP) candidate Frank Chinasa to overturn Kalu’s election victory.

APC Leaders Urge Deputy Speaker Kalu To Take Charge of Party In South East

The petition from Chinasa was dismissed by the panel’s three judges for lack of merit in a unanimous decision that was read by the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Samson Gang.

reports Anaedoonline.ng Kalu sits in the lower chamber of the National Assembly on behalf of the federal constituency of Bende.

August 22, 2023

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10th House of Reps Speakership: 35 South-East Reps-elect Endorse Abbas, Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi June 9, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

With 35 out of 42 House of Representatives members-elect from the South-East region apparently favoring Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the battle for the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly is taking on a new dimension.

During a meeting of the South-East members-elect with Abbas and Kalu late on Thursday night, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, deputy chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, announced the endorsement list was still being updated, and he was confident the remaining candidates would be included.

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, communication adviser of the Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu Campaign Group, responded to the development by stating that the lawmakers-elect made the choice to support the pair as the All Progressives Congress, APC, anointed candidates.

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The ruling party’s zoning plan, according to Ugochinyere, who is also a member-elect for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State, “ensures equity and fairness,”

He expressed hope that the remaining eight lawmakers-elect from the South-East would sign the endorsement document by the conclusion of the meeting on Thursday night in Abuja, while noting that Abbas and Kalu’s detribalized nature, competence, and admirable qualities were the reasons behind endless endorsements.

“President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress national leadership, having taken a look at the true reflection of our society, and knowing the importance of inclusivity, chose South-East for the Deputy Speakership position.

“So, for inclusiveness, for the unity of the country, for everybody to be carried along, I see no reason any member-elect or Nigerian with conscience will say, South-East should not be given this position.

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“So I commend my brothers from the South-East for making the right decision. Apart from zoning, Abbas and Kalu are the most competent amongst all contestants to preside over the affairs of the Green Chamber.

“I believe the remaining eight lawmakers-elect from South-East will sign the endorsement document before the end of the caucuses meeting currently going on at Treasure Suites Abuja,” Ugochinyere stated late Thursday night.

June 9, 2023

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10th NASS Speakership: 63 Opposition Members-Elect Endorse Abass, Kalu

by Victor Ndubuisi May 24, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

The candidates Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, who have been nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, have received the public support of 63 incoming members of Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives, all of whom are from opposition parties.

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a recently elected legislator and the spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), announced this support at a news conference in Abuja.

He urged other speaker candidates who were dependent on opposition support to drop out of the race as their votes had already been given to Abbas and Kalu.

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Ugochinyere asserted, “Our common goal now should be beyond party and partisan politics and totally focused on Nigeria and her greater good. We want the best and we have selected the best and importantly, the selection is by merit.”

Speaking on behalf of the 63 members-elect, he further revealed their transformation into the TBK Group, with all 63 votes firmly committed to Abbas, “In the coming days, Nigerians will come to know the identity of the TBK Group and will also feel our impact.”

He endorsed Abbas’ suitability for the Speakership, citing his education, experience, ingenuity, and integrity. He also mentioned that Abbas had introduced the most bills during the 8th and 9th assemblies, with 43 in the former and 74 in the latter.

“21 of those bills have been signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Ugochinyere added.

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Amobi Ogah, a candidate for the Labour Party, endorsed Abbas and Kalu and called them capable and competent.

If both were elected, he voiced hope for the distinctiveness of the 10th Assembly.

Igah pleaded with his fellow members, “I beg my colleagues to support the duo in the interest of National unity.”

This declaration was made in advance of the installation of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, when new senators and representatives to the house will be chosen or confirmed.

It also comes after the APC released the 10th National Assembly’s leadership zoning formula, which led to the formation of a group by several disgruntled speaker candidates.

10th NASS Leadership: Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu Visit Obasanjo

In conclusion, the support for the APC nominees has been strengthened by the backing from the Minority Parties Forum and the Joint Task – 10th Assembly alliance.

If these relationships have been successful in forging a unified front behind Abbas and Kalu, it will be clear after the upcoming inauguration.

May 24, 2023

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Benjamin Kalu Makes Case For South-East Even After Been Picked As Consensus Candidate For Deputy Speaker

by Victor Ndubuisi May 15, 2023

written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Ben Kalu, the consensus choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the upcoming 10th National Assembly, has spoken in favor of the South-East area of the nation.

In order to avoid a terrible election outcome in 2027, the region should be considered in the APC’s overall plan of operations, he claimed.

When he appeared on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Kalu, the congressman representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, made this comment, according to newsmen.

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Remember that the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced zoning for the 10th National Assembly’s leadership, choosing Godswill Akpabio of the South-South to serve as Senate President and Barau Jibrin of the North-West to serve as his deputy?

While the party chose Kalu from the South-East to be Tajudeen Abbas’ deputy in the House of Representatives and Tajudeen Abbas from the North-West to serve as speaker.

Since last week, a development has sparked debate among other candidates for the seats and from other sources.

However, justifying zoning the position of the deputy Speaker to the south-east, Kalu said “When you talk about nation building you forget about sentiments, you forget about emotions and look at the strongest argument and the strongest argument here is how do we make a diversity sensitive leadership, nation-building effort that will incorporate all the beautiful efforts of all the diverse part of the country coming together to work for what we peach? It’s by unity, peace and progress.

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“You may recall that in the last four years, the South-East was not holding any of the presiding officers’ position and it has impacted on this election, among other things. I can assure you, if you neglect South-East again, a whole zone in such sensitive position, then you battle again in 2027, that is a big risk for any great planner to take.

“If you start now to plan and adopt this spirit of inclusion, South-East is going to yield a better harvest than what was yielded before.”

May 15, 2023

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