Traditional rulers in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, have endorsed the Kalu 2027 bid, backing Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for another term in parliament.
The monarchs made their position known when Kalu visited them during his ongoing “Meet Your Constituents” tour in Igbere on Wednesday. Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Ukaoha Anyanta, praised the Deputy Speaker for what he described as an outstanding record of legislative service.
Eze Anyanta said Kalu’s performance since returning to the National Assembly stood out among representatives produced by the area since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. According to him, Kalu’s achievements in legislative representation and infrastructure development had distinguished his tenure from those of his predecessors.
“Yours is an outstanding legislative service, the best since 1999. Yours is different and we are seeing it all over the place,” the monarch said.
He said the traditional rulers were satisfied with the Deputy Speaker’s legislative contributions and were prepared to support his continued representation. The monarchs subsequently offered their royal blessings to Kalu and pledged what they described as their unflinching support for his legislative efforts.
Eze Anyanta also offered prayers for the Deputy Speaker, asking God to grant him the strength and opportunity to realise his aspirations for Bende.
“We are giving you our support so that you can do your work in peace,” he said.
The traditional ruler further assured Kalu that the monarchs would support efforts aimed at advancing his political and developmental objectives for the constituency.
“Anyone who wishes you evil will not succeed. We pray to God to give you the grace to achieve your lofty dreams for Bende,” he added.
The endorsement came during Kalu’s constituency engagement programme, through which he has been meeting traditional rulers and other stakeholders across the constituency.
The Kalu 2027 bid is now receiving attention ahead of the next general elections, with the Igbere traditional rulers becoming the latest community stakeholders to publicly express support for his continued representation. The monarchs also pledged to contribute within their capacity towards the realisation of the Deputy Speaker’s political and developmental ambitions.
“Whatever we can do to make this a reality, we will do it,” Eze Anyanta said. The endorsement underscores the importance of traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.
