OFFICIAL: Tinubu: The First President to Remember the Igbo Since the Civil War – Kalu

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has praised President Bola Tinubu as the only Commander-in-Chief to remember the Igbo ethnic group since the end of the Nigerian Civil War. Kalu made the remarks on Saturday during an empowerment event organized by Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, in Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area.

The event, which attracted over 3,000 attendees from various political parties, also witnessed a significant political shift, as a large number of participants defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further highlighting the growing support for President Tinubu’s initiatives in the South East.

Kalu pointed out that the mass defections were a clear indication of the people’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the South East, especially through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC). He emphasized that the commission would address the region’s pressing infrastructure needs.

“The president has made tremendous strides for the Ndigbo. He is still making efforts, and he is the only leader who has remembered Ndigbo after 54 years since a promise was made for reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation,” Kalu said. His reference was to the Three Rs program—reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration—launched by former military leader Yakubu Gowon to heal the country after the civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.

Kalu noted that the establishment of the SEDC marks the beginning of the long-overdue reconstruction process for the South East. “This is just the beginning. President Tinubu has come with a spirit of equity, fairness, and development,” he continued. “By signing the SEDC bill into law, he is making sure that the damage caused by the civil war is finally addressed.”

The deputy speaker also urged the people to rally behind the political transformation Tinubu is bringing to Igbo land. “As the leader of our party, he has asked us to strengthen our ties with the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development,” Kalu said.

He welcomed the defectors into the APC fold, stating, “For taking this decision, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. We know who you are and what you can do. With such calibre of people joining our party, nothing else is left for other parties. They have collapsed. We will empower you to empower others.”