“Tinubu Is the Only President to Remember Ndigbo After 54 Years Since Civil War,” Says Ben Kalu

Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has lauded President Bola Tinubu as the first Nigerian leader to prioritize the Igbo ethnic group’s development since the civil war. Speaking at an empowerment program organized by Chris Nkwonta, a lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Kalu praised Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to the Southeast region.

The event, held in Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, witnessed over 3,000 individuals from various political parties defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which Kalu attributed to Tinubu’s efforts to foster development in the region. He highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a pivotal move in addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges.

“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo,” Kalu stated.

Kalu referenced the post-civil war “three Rs” policy—reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration—introduced by former military ruler Yakubu Gowon to heal the nation after the conflict that lasted from 1967 to 1970. According to Kalu, Tinubu’s signing of the SEDC bill into law marks the beginning of the long-awaited rebuilding process in the Southeast.

“He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt,” Kalu said. He also emphasized Tinubu’s directive to strengthen grassroots political engagement in the Southeast to align with the president’s development agenda for the region.

Welcoming the new APC members, Kalu expressed confidence in their contributions to the party’s goals. “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 assured.