Deputy Speaker, Kalu receives over 3,000 fresh defectors to APC in Abia
…assures of more, to join ruling Party
By Tom Okpe
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has welcomed over 3,000 new members from different political parties to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State.
The mass defection occurred in Akwete, Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the State, during an empowerment programme by the member, representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency of the State in the House of Representatives, Rep Chris Nkwonta.
Addressing the gathering from Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government areas, adorned with the APC’s iconic broom symbol, Kalu revealed that an influx of new defections to the party is imminent.
The Deputy Speaker also, said the defection is a reflection of the people’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown commitment to Igbo people’s development, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission, SEDC.
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He said establishment of the Commission will essentially, cater for the infrastructural needs of the region.
Recall that Nkwonta, Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission recently, defected to the APC from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
“The President has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo. He came with the spirit of equity and fairness.
“He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt. As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanize the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.
“For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing.
“When these caliber of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others,” he Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker was also honored with a chieftaincy title of ‘Enyioha of Ukwa Kingdom,’ urged the people to continue, supporting the Government, led by President Tinubu, assuring that Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, and indeed, Igbo land will benefit from more democratic dividends.
Some of the decamped members’ included the former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and former member, House of Representatives, Emeka Stanley.
