Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stated that President Bola Tinubu is committed to the political development of the Southeast geopolitical zone.
He said the president has instructed the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen the party in the region.
Speaking at a meeting of APC stakeholders from the 17 local government areas of Abia State, Kalu emphasized the President’s desire for party unity.
He urged all party leaders and members to dissolve existing factions and come together to enhance the party’s prospects.
He said: “I don’t believe in factions. Everyone is my brother and friend. We are one family. Those talking about factions should have a rethink. Stop talking about factions and allow people to mingle. This is the beauty of party politics. Everybody must come together, let’s work together.
“That’s is the message from Mr. President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the party should work together. Nothing else matters. I can tell you his body language is to make the party stronger in southeast. And this should start from us in Abia state.
“Please, let’s work together. That’s the message I have for you. No other agenda but just to greet you. The collapse also those factions and come, let’s work together. President Tinubu is not interested in the factionalization of the party. You think he will clap for you because you have small factions? No. He will only clap for you because you are working together.
“So, collapse the factions let’s work together. The doors and windows of this party should be open. Let’s bring everyone on board. We should reconcile with everyone and make peace so that we can work as a formidable force.
“Anyone who wants to make peace with me, I am ready to come and see you. Let us make peace and you, too, should be ready to make peace. Let’s work as one body. Once we unite, other political parties should be afraid. As you know, united we stand but divided we fall.
State Chairman of the party, Dr. Ononogbu appreciated the deputy speaker for his magnanimity, assuring of his commitment to make the party stronger in the State.
“I will say that today is my happiest day as the Chairman of APC in Abia State. I came in at a time when people were more interested in themselves. Divisions here and there but despite all those divisions, God has continued to lead us.
“Today, this APC, Abia State has produced the number 6 figure in Nigeria. We have every reason to thank God and be proud of that. It hasn’t happened in Abia State before. So, I give God the glory it’s happening under my leadership.
“I am excited that we have somebody in the person of the deputy speaker who has been able to grow above little sentiments even where some people have tried to work against this unity.
“The deputy speaker, what I want to assure you is that this party is intact and they appreciate the role you are playing and you can go to sleep on whatever is expected from us.
“For our ward chairmen, let me make the announcement. The deputy speaker has come out to say we want you people to feel a sense of the party in your various areas. You have to be calling meetings, and getting feedback that we will pass over to him he has committed to supporting what we are doing and over time, all the other leaders are going to join and I can assure you that I will provide the required leadership”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker has inaugurated a 7-man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South East region.
The chief press secretary to the deputy speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu said in a statement that over N30 million has already been contributed to the tune by members of the society.
While charging them to be accountable and transparent in their operations, Kalu said that the Peace Fund was in consonance with the rehabilitation objective of PISE-P which he founded alongside the members of the parliament from the South East region.
The deputy speaker also stated that the programme was in tune with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in restoring hope in many families affected by insecurity.
Kalu further charged the committee to ensure that accurate demographic data of the affected families was gathered, adding that they also have his mandate to reach out to spirited individuals, corporate organisations and agencies in the society to appeal for their support to the Fund.
He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes in the security forces will make them proud that their husbands did not labour in vain and motivate those still serving to give their all on their job. Your mandate also extends to communities that have been ravaged by insecurity to provide succour to them and restore their hope. You are the kick starters of the Project.
“Your Committee will soon be expanded to accommodate other interests and critical stakeholders. You are starting from the south east but your mandate will extend beyond the region in due course. Ensure you work with data and remain above board at all times. I have no doubt that with the calibre of people on the Committee, you will meet our expectations”.
Reacting to the killing of the soldiers in Aba, the chairman of the Fund committee, Chief Akwari described the incident as unfortunate.
“First, let me start by saying that what happened in Aba is one of the most unfortunate incidents. I see people behaving like completely mad people. I wonder what makes human beings take up arms to go and fight the military.
“You have no right whatsoever to take up arms against anyone, let alone taking up arms against the military. It is unheard of. It’s not part of our culture. The Deputy Speaker’s visit calls for kudos. He has to abandon the activities in Abuja and decide to come and interface with the bereaved families. That shows humanity.
“To sympathize with these women that lost their husbands, I commend him, for bringing all of us. He brought some of the members from the northern part of the country to follow him to go and sympathize with the bereaved family”.
