Traditional rulers in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, have publicly endorsed the 2027 re-election bid of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing his tenure as the best legislative service since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999. The endorsement came during Kalu's "Meet Your Constituents" tour on Wednesday, as part of his ongoing visits across Bende Federal Constituency.
Royal Fathers Praise Kalu's Legislative Record
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, His Royal Majesty Eze Joseph Ukaoha Anyanta said no lawmaker representing the area has matched Kalu's quality of service since 1999. He cited Kalu's legislative achievements and infrastructure projects attracted to the constituency as evidence of his impact.
"Yours is an outstanding legislative service, the best since 1999. Yours is different and we are seeing it all over the place. We are giving you our support so that you can do your work in peace," Eze Anyanta said. He added, "Anyone who wishes you evil will not succeed. We pray to God to give you the grace to achieve your lofty dreams for Bende. Whatever we can do to make this a reality, we will do it."
Women, Youth, and Non-Indigenes Show Support
The endorsement extended beyond traditional rulers. At Ibina Hall in Onu-Ibina Igbere, a large number of women gathered, singing and dancing in solidarity with Kalu's 2027 ambition. Non-indigenes resident in the town also declared their support at a separate gathering in Amankalu Igbere.
Residents at these gatherings praised the Deputy Speaker for directing development projects to all 13 electoral wards in the constituency, citing road construction and the renovation and building of schools as evidence of his impact on the ground.
Context and Related News
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, announced his defection on the floor of the House during plenary on Tuesday, March 31.
The endorsement by Igbere traditional rulers and residents signals strong grassroots support for Kalu's re-election, with promises of continued backing for his legislative work.
