Benjamin Kalu: Another Star From South East, By Levinus Nwabughiogu

Love or hate him, he’s of a stellar cast from the South East. Therefore, a huge asset to the political powerhouse and in the configuration of the current leadership of the region. At every turn, generations have always received the Divine benevolence of a virile political persona in such a magnanimous stance. And now is no exception.

Time was when Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikwe, the Zik of Africa whose name still resonates was the toast of the world. Ditto Dr. Micheal Iheonukara Okpara, the premier of the defunct southeastern region. In their quest for the development of their region in particular and Nigeria in general, both men birthed programmes and policies that were very impactful and still dot the landscapes of today. Such legacies are also felt far beyond the shores of their immediate environment. And unarguably, history has been kind to them as these imprints are still being celebrated decades after their demise.

Azikwe and Okpara may have passed on but they still breath in the emerging leaders of today’s generation. Their work still ongoing. One of such leaders is Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the indefatigable and cerebral Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. Apparently jolted by the lofty ideals and the success of these heroes past, Kalu is steadily and consciously creating and facilitating pacts and endeavours, pursuing programmes and policies that are geared towards facelifting the South East region.

For 54 years, the region wired in the excruciating pain of marginalization and vanquishedness, stagnated in the doldrums of underdevelopment, dilapidation and backwardness, without any significant federal presence. Of course, the collapse of infrastructure and other social amenities is commonplace and pronounced in the south east and attempts to liberate it have only been near-failed. When it appeared that hope was in the offing through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), it vanished. The bill to birth the commission in the 8th and 9th National Assemblies was shutdown in the House of Representatives.

But to typify his altruistic leadership, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who only got elected into the 9th Assembly and could who have afforded to give an insouciant shrug on the bill or pursue other self aggrandizing projects quickly exercised his wits and discretion on the bill. The failure of the bill to fly in the 8th and 9th Assemblies could have, perhaps, amounted to a culdesac. But no. Upon his emergence as the Deputy Speaker in the 10th Assembly, Kalu prioritized this all-important bill. He dusted and expanded it appropriately to make it more acceptable, and then, lobbied and pushed for it passage. And in quick succession, the House passed the bill into law.

Anyone with a keen understanding of the legislative proceedings in any parliament globally, would know that passing a bill in an accelerated manner has always been a function of intense lobbying, love and confidence reposed in the sponsor. No bill ever passes by coercion or undue influence or on self will. It is always a product of the degree of concerns displayed by the lawmakers on the bill in question. And this is the case in the 10th House as the members clearly showed they understood the plights of the region. Besides, the members of the House also saw in Kalu a man of deep knowledge, pious and piety, one with utmost sense of patriotism and altruism to better the lots of region, and by a unanimous vote, the House eventually passed the bill into law.

Yet, the journey didn’t end in the Green Chambers. The Senate was another destination. Of course, the lobbying continued there. And thankfully, the Senators also reasoned with the House, supported and passed the bill into law.

Not one or two bills had been rejected at the juncture of their transmission to the presidency for assent. In fact, many had died a painful death. But in the case of the SEDC bill, grace, favour and reason came to play and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave his assent which has made the bill a law today.

Those completely oblivious of the goings-on would not understand the underpinnings. They would not know the sacrifices the Deputy Speaker made while following through. That the south east region now has a commission that will draw funds from the federation account for its development 54 years after the civil war is definitely no mean feat, no matter what anyone may say. Of course, the policy of the 3Rs: Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Gen. Gowon’s regime that was never implemented readily comes to mind. And the policy has obviously been made manifest in the SEDC championed by Kalu. Just pause a minute and think. What if he hadn’t pushed or found favour in the best places? Would there have been a Commission to celebrate today? Nope. Perhaps, only a few persons would appreciate this leader’s efforts.

Prior to now, Kalu had also unveiled the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), a social interventionist mechanism that preaches peace in the south east region through a non kinetic means. At its unveiling on December 29, 2023 in Bende, Abia State, the world saw how Nigeria emptied itself in the agrarian city. Of course, the galaxy of people that graced the occasion could strike envy or hate for Kalu. But he remains unfazed. He made it happen.

Many may have also forgotten that Kalu was the official spokesperson of the House of Representatives for four years in the 9th Assembly, a job he passionately did that presumably and unlimitedly introduced him to the larger community of Nigeria and the world.

Similarly, the deputy speaker had also pursued other lofty goals in his legislative journeys, using the instrumentality of the law, all in the interest of the south east and Nigeria.

To accentuate this reality, Kalu’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria, even in the face of immense adversity, is a testament to his patriotism. His willingness to sacrifice his own comfort and safety for the sake of the people of south east is a lesson in selfless service that we must all strive to emulate.

Leadership, I would say is not a mere title; it is not simply about power or authority. It is about courage, responsibility, and service. It is the art of navigating the ship of state through the uncharted waters of the future, inspired by a vision of progress, equality, and social justice. In this era of transformative change, leadership demands a profound understanding of our complex world, empathy for the challenges faced by our fellow citizens, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of our society.

To this end, the advisory board and organizing committee for the 2024 edition of the Michael Okpara Leadership Lecture and Award on Thursday, August 22, 2024 recognized Kalu’s numerous efforts and presented him with Dr. Michael Okpara Leadership Award which is the 2024 Premier’s Prize.

The award which comes with a bold inscription: “This Plaque of Honor is Presented to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives In commendation for Quality Representation and Leadership in the Nigerian Parliament” further testifies to Kalu’s leadership finnese and acumen.

Interestingly, the award is coming admid an eruption of a mass hysteria over Kalu’s clarion call to duty. For me, I have been struggling to decipher the wrongs in his recent call to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Anyone familiar with the Deputy Speaker’s mien would not only attest to his oratory prowess and intelligentual sagacity but would also give testimony to his graceful thoughts. And so, beckoning Governor Alex Otti of his home state of Abia as seen in a viral video recently to return to APC was only a talk between two convial friends and brothers.

Except for mischief purposes, I am still at a loss as to how a brotherly call could elicit a plethora of inquiries as well as a cacophony of reactions and emotions, the twists and turns, most of which were deliberately couched and slanted to pour invectives, venoms and vituperations on the person and office of the deputy speaker.

Succinctly put, the public hysteria and the verbal attacks on the Deputy Speaker were highly unnecessary. There is nothing amiss with a national leader in the person of Kalu wooing people into his political party. This is the norm the world over. You and I can equally do same.

It is public knowledge that Kalu and Otti were together in APC before the governor left for the Labour Party (LP) on the eve of the primary elections after purchasing the nomination forms for Governorship. Perhaps, many have forgotten this. Besides, both men share a unique relationship that has spanned for several years. Kalu is still proud of the excellence Otti has brought into the governance of Abia State. He still gives his support and their relationship is very much intact. So, the salvo of accusations provoked in public and high places to cause disaffection among the two brothers can only be quietened by the calm demeanor and the superior reasoning and understanding the two leaders have shown since the tantrums from the noisy bunch began.

Suffice it to say, the Deputy Speaker’s call on Otti to return to the APC family was to effectively synergize, so that the combined effects can be far reaching. It is just for the rapid development of the state and nothing more. If Kalu can achieve so much, striving alone, imagine what a pair will achieve being together in the same party. The more, the merrier.

I am compelled to say that finding any other interpretations other than this speaks to the clandestine activities of those uncomfortable with the growing political profile of the Deputy Speaker. God still speaks grace upon His people.

And this is the reason I won’t waste a split second rebutting the gibberish peddled by some hawks like one Adebiyi Omotosho Dan. Mercenaries who ply their ‘trade’ with pseudo names with the sole aim of dragging Kalu’s name to the mud are not worth anybody’s time. Decency has never been associated with pigs, not now, not tomorrow, not ever. So, it is not in my totems to dignify them with a response now. That would mean glorifying infantilism.

Demonizing and cannibalizing a man who has within this short time of occupying a position, sacrificed a lot for Ndi Igbo is very unfortunate, to say the least. Like they say in local parlance, blowing off someone else’s candle will not light yours or make it shine brighter.

There could be a million calls to crucify Kalu but those who know him and have followed his political trajectories would lend credence to the fact that Grace speaks for him all the way.

And now that the APC chapter of Abia State has thrown its support behind Kalu’s call on Gov. Otti to return to the party, it suffices to say that all the middlesome interlopers who for selfish reasons animated the social media ecosystems can now engage in some decent trades and activities. Kalu means well for Abia State, Ndigbo gburugbu and Nigeria.

Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.