ABUJA – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu’s role in the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has been applauded by stakeholders.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Comrade Wisdom Akunna Fabulous, the Coalition of South East Youths for Democracy (CESYD), said Kalu’s role remains incontrovertible even in the face of baseless controversies being generated by mischievous elements.
CESYD described attempts to diminish Kalu’s contributions in the process that eventually led to the passage and presidential assent to the law establishing the SEDC as “unfortunate” and “mischievous”.
The group insisted that the Deputy Speaker was instrumental in sponsoring and ensuring the passage of the SEDC bill, from its first reading on October 12, 2023, to its eventual signing into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 23, 2024.
CESYD’s defense of Hon Kalu comes amidst claims by Dr Josef Onoh, a former campaign spokesman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections, attempting to downplay the Deputy Speaker’s efforts.
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While rising to Kalu’s defense, CESYD challenged Dr Onoh to provide evidence contradicting the facts surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s involvement in the SEDC’s establishment.
The coalition emphasized that Hon Kalu’s leadership and commitment to the South East’s development are undeniable.
CESYD praised the Deputy Speaker for prioritizing Igbo interests and issues, stating that his contributions have been instrumental in addressing the region’s long-standing sense of marginalization.
According to the Group, it aims is to set the record straight and prevent the distortion of history.
The group urged individuals to refrain from spreading misinformation and instead focus on constructive contributions to the region’s development.
