Again, Bende Royal Fathers Pledge Support for Reps Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu

Traditional rulers from Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have once again reaffirmed their support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The royal fathers made their positions known during a meeting in Alayi, where they reviewed the performance of the Deputy Speaker and the political future of Bende Federal Constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution in Amizi Autonomous Community, Ugwueke, Eze Ifeanyichukwu Owoh, the Isimba II of Amizi Autonomous Community, stated that there was no agreement reached on power sharing during previous meetings held in Igbere.

He maintained that the zoning narrative being circulated was unfounded, stressing that former House of Representatives member, Nnenna Ukeje, served for 12 years and that Benjamin Kalu should equally be allowed to complete the same tenure. He also described the Abia State APC Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, as his son, while identifying Benjamin Kalu as the political leader under whom he serves, stressing that automatically, his support as a royal father, would go to Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu.

Also lending his voice, the Chairman of the Alayi Council of Traditional Rulers and traditional ruler of Amankwu Alayi Autonomous Community, Eze Engr. Christopher Ukaoma, commended Kalu’s leadership qualities and described him as an outstanding representative who has continued to project Bende positively both within and outside Nigeria. He noted that the Deputy Speaker had attracted meaningful development to his community, including the rehabilitation of a long-neglected access road, and urged the people to sustain their support for him.

The Chairman of the Umunna Council of Traditional Rulers and traditional ruler of Isiala/Amaelu Autonomous Community, Eziukwu, Eze Kalu Okorie, said the meeting had further strengthened the resolve of the royal fathers to return to their various communities and educate their subjects on the need to support Benjamin Kalu. According to him, virtually every community in Bende has benefitted from projects facilitated by the Deputy Speaker.

Similarly, Eze Philip Ukeje, the Ugbojiakwu of Amaeke Alayi, argued that since Nnenna Ukeje completed 12 years in office, Benjamin Kalu should equally be allowed to serve for 12 years to consolidate on the developmental projects already initiated across the constituency.

The traditional ruler of Amigwu Alayi Autonomous Community, Eze Richard Udensi Ejikeme, also praised Kalu’s contributions to the development of Bende, assuring that traditional rulers would continue to mobilize their subjects in support of his re-election.

On his part, Eze Pastor Ignatius Iheke Uche of Umueyere Alayi Community, described Benjamin Kalu as a grassroot politician whose developmental footprint is evident across the constituency. He maintained that the Deputy Speaker had earned another term through his visible performance.

Also speaking, Eze Pastor Paul Chukwu, the Isiala II of Ndielu Ugwueke, said his support was based on his conviction that leadership should be judged by performance and the overall interest of the people.

In the same vein, Eze Raymond Okorie Ukeje, the Akoliukwu II of Agboakoli Autonomous Community, stated that the people of his community had benefitted from the Deputy Speaker’s representation and would continue to support his return to the House of Representatives.

However, the royal fathers unanimously expressed confidence in Benjamin Kalu’s leadership, describing his representation as impactful and people-oriented. They pledged to continue mobilizing support within their various communities to ensure the continuation of his representation of Bende Federal Constituency.