The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has commenced the distribution of 853 solar-powered lighting systems to households in his Bende constituency of Abia State. This initiative aims to provide sustainable and reliable lighting solutions to the residents. According to the Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Campaign Organisation, Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, the project is one of several initiatives Kalu has lined up for his constituents between now and December.
Hon. Emma Trumps Eke disclosed this in Umuahia while receiving some elected former councillors from Bende Local Government Area who paid a visit to the campaign organisation. Eke said more than 853 households in Bende would benefit from the solar-powered lighting project by the time the distribution exercise was completed. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the daily lives of the residents, enhancing their safety and economic activities.
The distribution of solar lights is part of Kalu's efforts to improve the lives of his constituents. Eke expressed confidence in Kalu's chances of retaining his seat in the 2027 election, saying the campaign organisation was already focused on securing his re-election. “As far as we are concerned, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has no serious contender in 2027,” he said.
Eke dismissed concerns about the emergence of Chima Anyaso as a possible challenger, saying the campaign organisation was prepared for the election. “Nobody should panic over the election for Bende. Chima Anyaso, that some people are talking about, is not even prepared for the election. We are more than prepared,” he said. The campaign organisation is gearing up to face any potential challenges.
Eke also defended Kalu's record in office, arguing that replacing him would amount to losing the benefits associated with his current position as Deputy Speaker. He said Kalu had attracted two higher institutions to the constituency within one calendar year and had raised Bende's profile at the National Assembly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and internationally.
The Deputy Speaker's achievements in office have earned him recognition and support from his constituents. Eke described local government councillors as the bedrock of the legislative arm of government at the grassroots, but regretted that councillors in Bende had been politically marginalised over the years. Eke promised that the situation would change, while commending the former councillors for identifying with Kalu's political aspirations.
The visit by the former councillors, led by Hon. John Eke, was to identify with Kalu's re-election bid, noting that the Deputy Speaker had performed well for the constituency. John Eke regretted what he described as the neglect of former councillors in Bende and called for a change. He said former councillors drawn from the 13 political wards in Bende had come together to support Kalu's re-election.
Key points
- Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, starts distribution of 853 solar-powered lighting systems to households in his Bende constituency of Abia State.
