By Chief ThankGod Ntaku
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (CFR), Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has become known as one of the prominent lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly, combining political diplomacy, dynamic and effective representation and community development. There is no doubt that the people of Bende Federal Constituency, which he represents, must be proud to have him as their representative.
The first time this writer had the opportunity of seeing Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu was when he had not become a federal legislator. It was during the kick-off of the senatorial campaign of Sir Marc Wabara, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Abia State in 2018, at Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
He spoke so eloquently, and indeed, showed signs of a determined Nigerian, obviously on a course of changing positively the course of events within any political space he finds himself. Many could have mistaken his optimism and confidence for mere political posturing, given that he was, at the time, the APC candidate for the Bende Federal Constituency, without realising that he was simply giving voice to convictions he genuinely held.
Whatever doubts any one had about him during the campaigns preceding the general elections of 2019 were put to rest when he emerged as the spokesperson for the Federal House of Representatives in his first tenure. It is also on record that he moved the first motion on the floor of the Green Chamber, and it can, arguably, be said that this very act immediately shot him to political limelight and established him as a lawmaker to watch.
Throughout his first tenure in the House, based on media reports, Kalu threw himself wholly into the affairs of the National Assembly, particularly on legislative duties. He also began to build relationships across the six geopolitical zones of the country, culminating in endearing himself to his colleagues and other lawmakers at the National Assembly.
The re-election of the legislator by the people of his Federal Constituency, no doubt, didn’t surprise anyone, as he had used just four years to place the name of Bende prominently on the national legislative map.
His subsequent emergence as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives was seen by many as a reward for loyalty, competence, political sagacity and good interpersonal skills.
As Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (CFR), has consistently proved to be a worthy Ambassador of his people of Bende, a true Nigerian, and a firm believer in protocols. It could be inferred that the cordial relationship he has with the Speaker of the House of Representatives would have given him the privilege of representing the Speaker at many occasions inside and outside Nigeria.
Available reports point to many empowerment programmes he has attracted to Bende Federal Constituency. Many youths have secured Federal Government jobs, schools built and renovated, educational materials given out to students, and a new lease of life for many constituents.
It is also on record that the Deputy Speaker attracted two federal educational institutions – Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences and Federal College of Education – to Bende Federal Constituency. The multiplier effects of higher Institutions in any locality can only be imagined, as socio-economic activities will skyrocket, employment opportunities will be created, the value of landed property will go up, young and not-too-young people in Bende Federal Constituency and surrounding communities can easily access higher education, and a lot of other benefits.
It is undebatable that in a constitutional democracy, people crave good and effective representation, multidimensional growth and development. Bende Federal Constituency must count itself as fortunate. The trajectory of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu offers an example of the kind of legislative representation many communities would crave to have: a representative who combines national legislative visibility, political relationship-building and constituency-focused development.
Chief ThankGod Ntaku is the chairman of Newsportal Limited.
