Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South-East region of Nigeria to forge political alliances with other regions and align with President Bola Tinubu to secure its political future. He made the call during the inauguration of the Abia State All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council in Umuahia. Kalu emphasized the need for strategic alliances to improve representation and access to democratic dividends.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, noted that the Igbo people have demonstrated strategic thinking in business, particularly in rebuilding the region after the civil war. However, he said they have failed to apply the same approach to politics. He stressed that political isolation would undermine the region's interests and advocated for partnerships across the country.

The Deputy Speaker described President Tinubu as a platform through which the South-East could advance its political interests, citing the President's non-tribal approach to governance. He urged the Igbos to invest their votes strategically rather than waste them, arguing that political cooperation with the ruling party would help the region secure greater relevance.

Kalu rejected calls for a four-year power-sharing arrangement for an Igbo presidency, insisting that the region deserved an eight-year tenure after waiting for nearly six decades. He expressed confidence that the South-East would eventually produce a president, urging the people not to lose faith in their political aspirations.

The Deputy Speaker defended the Tinubu administration, saying its policies and projects in the South-East would yield visible results. He urged residents to support the government's Renewed Hope Agenda and charged members of the newly inaugurated Abia APC Campaign Council to take the party's message to all 17 local government areas and 184 wards in the state.

Kalu emphasized the need for unity and discipline within the party, stressing that this would be crucial in achieving their goals. He also highlighted the importance of the region's involvement in the government's policies and projects, ensuring that their interests are represented.

The call for an Igbo political alliance with Tinubu comes as the region seeks to improve its representation and access to democratic dividends. Kalu's remarks have sparked discussions on the region's political future and the role of strategic alliances in achieving their goals.

Key points

  • Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu urges Igbo political alliance with President Bola Tinubu.
  • Kalu rejects four-year power-sharing arrangement for Igbo presidency.
  • Deputy Speaker defends Tinubu administration's policies and projects in South-East.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.