The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has lavished praise on President Bola Tinubu, describing him as the messiah the Southeast region has been waiting for since the end of the Biafra civil war. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) women empowerment rally in Enugu State, Kalu expressed his admiration for Tinubu, citing his love and support for the Igbo people.
According to Kalu, Tinubu demonstrated his affection for the Igbo people during his tenure as governor of Lagos State. He claimed that unlike other administrations, Tinubu's government did not arrest or confiscate the properties of Igbo businessmen in Lagos State. This, Kalu believes, is a testament to Tinubu's commitment to the well-being of the Igbo people.
Kalu also recalled that Tinubu appointed Ben Akabueze, an Igbo man, into his cabinet while he was governor of Lagos State. He described this move as unprecedented, saying it has never happened before. Kalu believes that Tinubu's actions demonstrate his willingness to support and empower the Igbo people.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Igbo people have been waiting for 60 years for the promises made to them after the civil war to be fulfilled. He claimed that successive governments have ignored the Southeast region, neglecting the principles of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Reintegration. However, with Tinubu's emergence, Kalu believes that the Igbo people have finally found a leader who genuinely cares about their well-being.
Kalu highlighted some of the achievements of Tinubu's administration, particularly in the Southeast region. He mentioned the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, which has been transformed into a full-fledged commission. Additionally, he cited the construction of bridges, roads, and the provision of scholarships as evidence of Tinubu's commitment to the region's development.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the Southeast region will ensure Tinubu's reelection in 2027, citing his track record of supporting the region. He expressed confidence that Tinubu will continue to prioritize the needs of the Igbo people, saying that he has already demonstrated his love and commitment to the region.
Kalu's comments have sparked widespread debate, with many Igbo people expressing their support for Tinubu's leadership. While some have criticized Kalu's remarks, others have welcomed Tinubu's efforts to address the region's developmental needs. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how Tinubu's administration will continue to address the concerns of the Southeast region.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu has been hailed as the messiah by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for his love and support for the Igbo people.
- Kalu cited Tinubu's appointment of Ben Akabueze into his cabinet and his non-discrimination against Igbo businessmen in Lagos State as evidence of his support.
- The Southeast region will ensure Tinubu's reelection in 2027, according to Kalu, due to his track record of supporting the region.