Abia State Government of Labour Party, LP, Thursday, defied party affiliation to honour an illustrious son and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
Speaking at the cross-party occasion, the state governor, Alex Otti, described the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as “a good man with a good spirit who deserves all the encomiums and celebrations of Abia people”.
Otti while describing the celebrant as a Brother and friend of many years, informed, “What we have done today is what should be done. Rt Hon Ben Kalu deserves all the encomiums, all the celebration, and if we continue to celebrate him till the end of this year, we wouldn’t have done too much.
“Why? Because, first and foremost, he is a good man with good spirit. From my own personal bias, he is my younger brother, my friend of several years, more than fifteen-twenty years”, stating further that the legislator has distinguished himself and identified the purpose for which he was elected, and that Kalu has done a lot in improving security and welfare of his people, hence, the state government decided to honour him despite political party differences, to appreciate his laudable contributions and selfless service to the state.
The Governor used the opportunity to inform that the money required to implement the 2024 budget is available explaining, “Some people are wondering ‘where is he going to find five hundred and sixty seven billion?’. My answer to them is that I have found the money already. So you shouldn’t loose sleep because the money is there.”
He saluted members of the National and State House Assemblies as well as Abians for their support, and assured of better things to come in 2024 and implored Abians with investment outside to bring them home as Abia is now open to business.
“If you do have your investment sited somewhere else, this is the time to bring them down to Abia State. Abia is open for business, foreign investors are coming, we don’t even need to travel, I’m sure you know that I hardly travel. Gone are the days when leaders would take a flight to relocate abroad and tell you they are looking for foreign investments. My message to all of us is that we must fix our home and when we fix our home, other people will come and invest”, the governor said.
Kalu in his speech applauded the relationship that existed between him and the Governor, saying it was all in bid to develop the state, stating that he was deeply humbled by the civic reception granted him by the state government and governor Otti and acknowledged Otti’s commitment to the advancement of Abia State.
“It is a rare occurrence to witness a sitting Governor acknowledging the collaborative efforts required for the state’s development. We have embarked on a journey together, recognizing the distinct roles each of us plays in steering Abia towards progress. I am committed to sustaining this partnership and contributing to the credit that will be rightfully attached to both the Governor and the state government. Together, we shall continue to set an example of effective governance that transcends political boundaries.
“This gathering is not just a celebration of my presence here today, but a testament to the inspirational leadership of Governor Alex Otti. Hisbforesight has inspired us all to dream big, aim high, and believe that, despite challenges, we can achieve greatness. Dee Ally, as I fondlybaddress him, has ignited a spark in all of us to strive for excellence, and I am grateful for the inspiration he has provided.
“We have seen, under your leadership the intentionality for restoring critical infrastructure, especially with roads and urban renewal in concurance with a renewed focused on education and healthcare. For Abia to flourish, we must all unite, regardless of party lines.
“I am proud to assert that my leadership philosophy revolves around the idea that we can only impact well when we partner, irrespective of political affiliations and I want to declare to Nigerians that the Governor of Abia State is my truest partner in the development of the State”, Kalu said and expressed his belief that quality governance transcends political affiliations”, he said.
In their goodwill messages some Abians including, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Oga and Nwadiala Emeka Nwogu applauded Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides in Abia State and commended the kind of synergy and perfect blend of politics of collaboration Governor Otti and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu are doing in the State irrespective of party differences. They affirmed that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has distinguished himself in the political landscape of Nigeria and deserves to be celebrated.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Johnson Chukwu commended Gov. Otti for hosting Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu and described the event as an uncommon one as both the Governor and the Deputy Speaker are of different political parties, emphasising that political parties are just vehicles to political position while governance is the most important thing. He appreciated the fact that both of them are delivering the purpose leadership which is touching lives positively.
The event which featured conferrement of chietaincy title of ENYI ABIA on Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, attracted Members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Members of the Abia State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Mayors of the LGAs, Traditional Rulers, led by the Chairman,Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Arcbishop Chibuzor Opoko, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, captains of industry, service chiefs among other dignitaries.
