Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Praises Tinubu’s Projects in South-East, Calls for Re-Election Backing

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on the people of the South-East to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, citing growing development and political inclusion in the region under the current administration.

Kalu made the remarks on Sunday during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. He said the “story of the South-East” is changing for the better, with notable progress in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and federal appointments.

He highlighted the creation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) in July 2024, noting that its governing board would oversee a $1 billion regional asset base under the government’s Triple-R agenda. Kalu also pointed to the recommencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail corridor, linking Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, and Nsukka, which is expected to generate over N50 billion in annual trade. Additionally, key gas pipeline projects are under construction to support industrial growth.

Kalu further revealed that President Tinubu had approved a N150 billion South-East Investment Company under the SEDC to accelerate regional industrialisation, while the proposed Lekki–Aba–Onitsha–Maiduguri Road Corridor is set to improve logistics and commerce.

“Our region is beginning to feel the touch of inclusion, investment, and renewed hope,” Kalu said, adding that Renewed Hope Councils would be established in every local government area to support grassroots implementation of federal projects in partnership with the SEDC.

He also outlined other ongoing initiatives, including federal housing schemes under the Renewed Hope Cities & Estates—with Abia’s site in Bende forming part of the 100,000-home target—and development of the Anambra Gas Basin to position Anambra and Abia as major energy hubs. Expansion of the AHL and ANOH gas processing plants in Imo State, featuring a 23.3-kilometre ANOH-OB3 pipeline, is expected to increase national gas supply by 25 per cent. Operational NCDMB NOGaPS Industrial Parks in Abia and Imo are now supporting local oil and gas equipment manufacturing.

Kalu also noted the rollout of the Compressed Natural Gas initiative along major transport routes in Onitsha, Aba, and Enugu, projected to save up to N2 trillion monthly in fuel imports.

On agriculture, he said the Federal Government had allocated land in Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu for large-scale farming under its 10-million-hectare scheme, providing fertilisers and mechanised equipment through partnerships with the U.S., Belarus, and Brazil to support cassava, rice, and palm oil production.

In education, Kalu said about N45.6 billion had been disbursed in student loans to South-East beneficiaries, with an additional N50 billion expected from recovered funds. Renewed Hope Skills Centres are also being planned in Abia and Anambra to train artisans and apprentices.

He concluded by praising the Tinubu administration’s vision for South-East development and urged residents to unite in supporting the President. “Let us work together to build a brighter future for the South-East and Nigeria,” he said.