The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, RT.Hon. Benjamin Kalu said that the Igbos are proud of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Kalu who was speaking at a grand civil reception held in his honour by the Abia State government in Thursday at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, the Abia State capital said that Igbo hold President Tinubu in high esteem.
Kalu who noted that the Igbos has never had the kind of representation that they enjoy under President Tinubu’s government commended President Tinubu for allowing Abia produce the No.6 citizen of the country, allowing the chief of Naval Staff and other key members of his cabinet including the Minister of Works to be Igbo men, saying that the Igbos are proud of him.
He charged the Igbos to discover their spirit of togetherness and work towards “collaboration to live a legacy of peace and progress for generations to come.”
Kalu who commended Gov. Otti for his leadership advancement in the state, said that Otti has shown commitment to give attention to infrastructural development in the state, especially road and urban renewal including education and healthcare.
He noted that Abians must unite regardless of party linings for the state to move forward.
Kalu who noted that his leadership ideas revolves around making an impact through deliberate partnership irrespective of political affiliation, said that that Otti is his truest Partner in the development of the state, noting that a true Abia leader has a role to play whether in the ruling or opposition party.
He noted that Abia can overcome its challenges through collaborative effort. This is even as he said that he admired Otti’s patriotic leadership style.
He also commended Otti’s warmth relationship with President Bola Tinubu which he noted reflects spirit of unity that’s crucial for the prosperity of the state.
Kalu who reminded Otti that they both have roles to play in the development of the state said he was committed to sustaining the partnership and contributing to credits that would be attached to the state governor and state government.
The deputy Speaker who stated that Otti’s foresight has inspired people like him (Kalu) to dream big and aim high said Otti has ignited a spark in “all of us to strive for excellence and I am grateful for the inspiration that you have provided”.
Kalu who noted Otti’s prudent management of resources and strategic investment in critical sectors of the state economy noted that there had been a paradigm shift under Otti, unlike what was obtainable in the past, adding that Otti’s responsible borrowing is reflected in the 2024 budget of the state where he (Otti) has said that all borrowing would be channeled into capital projects which he noted would stimulate economic growth and sufficient returns to meet the state’s financial obligations smoothly.
He also noted that Otti has shown that he understands the state’s priority through various allocations to critical sectors that drives the economy of the state such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth development and among others.
He noted that the peace in southeast project is a beacon of hope as a collective efforts to heal the region’s wounds and unlock its vast Potentials.
Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti in his speech described the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as a good man with a good spirit who deserves all the encomiums and celebrations of Abia people.
Governor Otti also described the celebrant as a Brother and friend of many years.
“What we have done today is what should be done. Rt Hon Ben Kalu deserves all the encomiums, all the celebration, and if we continue to celebrate him till the end of this year, we wouldn’t have done too much.
“Why? Because first and foremost he is a good man with good spirit. From my own personal bias, he is my younger brother, my friend of several years, more than fifteen twenty years.”
He said that the legislator has distinguished himself and identified the purpose for which he was elected, adding that he has done a lot in improving security and welfare of his people.
According to the Governor, the State Government decided to honour him despite political party differences to appreciate his laudable contributions and selfless service to the State.
The Governor used the opportunity to inform that the money required to implement the 2024 budget is available explaining that,
“Some people are wondering, where is he going to find five hundred and sixty seven billion.
“My answer to them is that I have found the money already. So you shouldn’t loose sleep because the money is there.”
He saluted members of the National and State House Assemblies as well as Abians for their support,and assured of better things to come in 2024.
He implored Abians with investment outside to bring them home as Abia is open to business.
‘If you do have your investment sited somewhere else, this is the time to bring them down to Abia State.
“Abia is open for business, foreign investors are coming, we don’t even need to travel, I’m sure you know that I hardly travel.
“Gone are the days when leaders would take a flight to relocate abroad and tell you they are looking for foreign investments.
“My message to all of us is that we must fix our home and when we fix our home, other people will come and invest.”
In their goodwill messages some Abians including, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Oga and Hon. Emeka Nwogu (former Labour and Productivity Minister), applauded Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides in Abia State.
They saluted the kind of synergy and perfect blend of politics of collaboration Governor Otti and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu are doing in the State irrespective of party differences.
They affirmed that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has distinguished himself in the political landscape of Nigeria and deserves to be celebrated.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Johnson Chukwu commended Governor Alex Otti for hosting Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu and described the event as an uncommon one as both the Governor and the Deputy Speaker are of different political parties.
He emphasised that political parties are just vehicles to political position while governance is the most important thing and appreciated the fact that both of them are delivering the purpose leadership which is touching lives positively.
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The event which featured conferment of chieftaincy title of ENYI ABIA on Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, attracted Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Mayors of the LGAs, Traditional Rulers, led by the Chairman,Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Archbishop Chibuzor Opoko, Bishop Sunday Onuoha among other dignitaries.
