Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the only commander-in-chief to prioritize the Igbo ethnic group since Nigeria’s civil war ended over five decades ago.
Kalu made this statement on Saturday during an empowerment programme organized by Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency, in Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The event reportedly witnessed a mass defection of over 3,000 members from various political parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Kalu, the defection demonstrates the gratitude of the people towards Tinubu’s administration, particularly for his efforts in fostering development in the South-East region.
He highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a pivotal step in addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges.
“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo,” Kalu stated.
“He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo.”
Kalu referenced former military ruler Yakubu Gowon’s post-civil war “Three Rs” programme—reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration—launched to heal and rebuild the nation following the 1967–1970 conflict.
He asserted that Tinubu’s leadership has brought a renewed commitment to fulfilling those promises.
“The reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the South-East have just started with the establishment of the SEDC.
He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development,” Kalu added.
Addressing the defectors, Kalu praised their decision to join the APC, assuring them of the party’s commitment to grassroots development. “For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people,” he said.
He also called on party members to rally support for Tinubu’s vision for the Igbo people, stating, “As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanize the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.”
Kalu expressed confidence in the APC’s growing influence in the region, asserting that the defections signaled the collapse of rival parties.
“When these calibre of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others,” he concluded.