By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated the government and people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary of the state, commending its strides in peace, security, democratic governance and development.
Abia State was created on 27 August 1991 by the administration of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, after it was carved out of the old Imo State. 
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, said the people of Abia had demonstrated resilience by sustaining peace and strengthening confidence in democratic leadership.
He described peace and security as essential foundations for economic growth, development and investment, noting that the state had remained largely peaceful and safe.
The Deputy Speaker also praised successive military and civilian administrations for their contributions to the development of the state, saying the progress recorded over the years was the result of collective efforts by past and present leaders.
Kalu specifically commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti for prioritising security and good governance, including the establishment of an Air Force office in Umuahia, the state capital.
He also praised what he described as bipartisan political cooperation between the state and Federal Government, citing the approval of Certificates of Occupancy for federal projects and initiatives in Abia.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Industrial Court, Renewed Hope Housing Projects and newly approved federal educational institutions in the state, which he said had been facilitated through legislative interventions.
According to Kalu, the projects and other developments expected in the state would help attract investment, create employment and expand infrastructure.
He stressed that Abia stood to gain significantly from continued cooperation between the Federal and state governments.
The Deputy Speaker also commended reported efforts by the state government to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities owed workers, urging the authorities to sustain the payments as a way of honouring retired public servants who served the state.
“Abia at 35 is a story of resilience and progress. I commend the governments, present and previous administrations for their efforts aimed at developing our dear state and I urge us to sustain the momentum of peace, unity and service delivery,” Kalu said.
He wished the people of Abia a successful celebration of the state’s 35th anniversary, while urging residents and leaders to continue working together to consolidate the gains recorded over the years.
