Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on the Abia State Government and the South-East to give due recognition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for releasing funds that have enabled states to execute key development projects.
Speaking on Friday at the commissioning of projects in Aba, Abia State, Kalu commended Governor Alex Otti for his infrastructural drive but insisted that the President deserved credit for ensuring resources reached the states following the removal of fuel subsidy.
“As a federal lawmaker and a leader in this country, I want us to be very vocal in praising the President. He did not keep the subsidy savings in Abuja; he sent it to the states. If we need more from the President, we must give him the credit due so that he can do more,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments, regardless of political affiliations. He pointed out that he had always worked with past Abia governors, adding that unity and partnership remain essential for development.
While praising Otti’s projects, Kalu urged Abia leaders and the media to acknowledge Tinubu’s role in enabling them. He likened it to the Igbo philosophy that “if you thank a helper, he will do more.”
Kalu also seized the moment to present further requests to the President, represented at the event by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. He called for the establishment of a seaport in the South-East to boost trade and appealed for federal intervention in the demolition of properties belonging to Igbo residents in Lagos.
“It bleeds our heart that within this hard time, houses are being destroyed. My plea is for the President to appeal to the Lagos Governor to allow our brothers to regularize their documents instead of facing demolition,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker concluded by stressing that genuine recognition of the President’s support and sustained federal–state partnership were crucial for unlocking more opportunities for Abia and the South-East.