2027: Igbere Community Backs Ben Kalu, Says Bende Cannot Afford to Lose Deputy Speaker

The Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hon. Dr. Madukwe E.E. Ukaegbu, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing his representation as a rare opportunity for the people of Bende Federal Constituency.

Ukaegbu, who described himself as a bona fide son and prince of Eberi Okomoko, spoke during Kalu’s engagement with the people of the community, where he commended the Deputy Speaker for what he described as visible projects and effective representation across Bende.

According to him, the people of Igbere are satisfied with Kalu’s performance during his first and second terms and have resolved to give him their overwhelming support.

“We are here because Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is here to talk to us and also to show us all the projects that he has done in Igbere. We are very satisfied with all that he has done in his first tenure and in his second tenure,” Ukaegbu said.

He urged the people of Igbere and the wider Bende constituency to consider the strategic importance of having one of their own occupy the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ukaegbu argued that such a position is not one that should be taken for granted, noting that Bende is fortunate to have one of its sons occupying a high-ranking position in the National Assembly.

“It is only in a lifetime that you can get a Deputy Speaker of the Federation, and Bende is lucky to have someone who is the Deputy Speaker of the Federation,” he said.

The PCC commissioner further described Kalu as an important representative of Bende at both national and international levels, saying his position has enhanced the visibility of the constituency.

He questioned why the people would want to replace a representative whom he said had performed well and brought recognition to Bende.

“Why do you want to think of changing it? Everybody has a right to run. Politics is about contest. It is not something you say belongs to me. It does not belong to anybody. It is the people that will determine who votes for who,” he stated.

Ukaegbu also declared his personal and family support for Kalu, stressing that his position was informed not only by his political affiliation but also by what he described as the Deputy Speaker’s achievements.

“I am an APC man number one, APC man number two and APC man number three. So we need him to go and fulfil whatever it is that we demand from him,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that other aspirants have the constitutional right to contest elections, insisting that the ultimate decision rests with the electorate.

The commissioner urged residents to remember Kalu’s contributions to the constituency and assess his performance before making their choice at the polls.

He maintained that the strategic value of Kalu’s current position should be considered in deciding the future direction of representation in Bende.

“Not because I am from APC, but you don’t lose an elephant for a small bush rat somewhere because it will not be enough,” Ukaegbu said.

He appealed to the people of Igbere to continue supporting Kalu, while urging the Deputy Speaker to remain responsive to the demands and expectations of his constituents.

The endorsement adds to the growing political activities in Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders and community leaders increasingly taking positions on the future of representation in the constituency.