Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains the preferred choice for Bende Federal Constituency – By Mavis Onukwuo

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains the preferred choice for Bende Federal Constituency – By Mavis Onukwuo

Rt.Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains the preferred choice for Bende Federal Constituency, as highlighted by traditional rulers, religious bodies, and community stakeholders who have actively dismissed alternative candidacies like “Ofuji”. Holding the high-ranking office of Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Ben Kalu provides Bende with unprecedented federal leverage that community leaders argue should not be traded away.

Here is a detailed breakdown of his verified achievements and the strategic reasons why he continues to receive widespread support for a third term.

Verifiable Achievements in Bende

Major Infrastructure & Power Restoration: Facilitated the historic rehabilitation of the Uzuakoli and Ozuitem power lines, ending over two decades of total darkness in those communities by reconnecting them to the national grid.

Key Road Construction: Attracted the ₦12 billion rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia Road (Lot 2), the 11km Umuimenyi Nkpa Ecological Fund project (complete with erosion control and the Nkpa bridge), and the asphalting of the Etitiulo-Itumbauzo road.

Institutional Development: Successfully attracted and facilitated two landmark federal institutions to Bende, including the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item.

Regional & National Bill Sponsorship: Authored and successfully pushed for the passage of the historic South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, which was signed into law by President Tinubu to rebuild regional infrastructure.

Security & Non-Kinetic Peacebuilding: Launched the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) right in Bende to address regional insecurity and sociological challenges using peace and non-kinetic measures.

Youth & Church Interventions: Allocated a ₦780 million youth re-orientation grant inside the federal budget targeting 130 churches in Bende to supply audio/evangelical equipment while driving campaigns against drug abuse and local crime

Global Medical Outreaches: Partnered with international medical experts from Taiwan, Japan, and the UK via the Benjamin Kalu Foundation to give free healthcare and complex surgeries to over 5,000 constituents

Crucial Reasons to Keep Him in Office

As the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu holds the second-highest office in the National Assembly. Community stakeholders point out that changing representatives would mean throwing away this elite influence and forcing Bende to start from scratch at the bottom of the legislative ladder.

The Law of Equity and Tenure Completion

Political bodies like the Bende Forum have clarified that backing Kalu completes a balanced 12-year cycle of representation. Because the Umunna political bloc previously held the seat for 16 years (via Hon. Mba Ajah and Hon. Nnenna Ukeje), allowing Kalu from Bende South to complete a third term ensures democratic fairness and balance between the sub-regions.

Traditional and Religious Mandate

Kalu’s performance has earned direct, explicit endorsements from the Bende South (Ikwuisi) Traditional Rulers Council, the Umunna Traditional Rulers Council, and the leadership of the Methodist Diocese of Uzuakoli and Item. These institutions have publicly rejected alternative rotational claims, choosing to prioritize proven competence over political experimentation.