Your Best Days in Politics Are Still Ahead

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has hailed his Deputy, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as a rising force in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing him as a man whose journey is only just beginning.

Abbas gave the remarks on Tuesday inside the chamber, shortly after plenary, as members of the House gathered to celebrate Kalu’s 54th birthday with a brief ceremony and a cake-cutting session.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, turned 54 on Monday.

A lawyer by training and former spokesperson for the House, he has grown into a familiar face not just within Nigeria’s legislature but also across international parliamentary networks.

In recent times, Kalu has taken on significant continental and global responsibilities. He chairs the Finance and Administrative Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament and leads the African Union Parliament’s Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs. He is also an active member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and sits on the steering committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization.

His colleagues describe him as strategic, forward-looking, and quietly ambitious, a lawmaker whose blend of eloquence and diplomacy has made him a respected voice both at home and abroad.

Speaking to journalists after the brief celebration, Abbas said, “Benjamin Kalu is not just a Deputy Speaker. He is a man with vision, poise, and the kind of political maturity that Nigeria will need even more in the years to come. His future is very bright.

“We congratulate our brother, partner, mutual ally and friend. For almost 2 years, we have been working seamlessly. I am a very lucky man, working with somebody who appreciates, understands me and is always ready to support me. I couldn’t have asked for anybody better. He’s such a sound, knowledgeable and technical person.

“So, today, on behalf of the 360 members of the House of Representatives, I say a big happy birthday to you. Congratulations on your attainment of the age of wisdom. You are now an elder statesman. You are now in the comity of Elders. So, please, accept our congratulations.

“Our prayer for you is that God should continue to be your shepherd and pillar of strength, continue to give you the wisdom and the altitude to give a good representation not just to the people of your only but to the people or the South East and Nigeria in general. Your Excellency, I believe with the way you are going, the sky will be your limit. I see you in places we don’t imagine. I know, people like you, with the kind of commitment and patriotism you have for Nigeria, we pray that your future will be brighter than your past anf present. Congratulations.”

In response, the Deputy Speaker expressed profound gratitude to Speaker Abbas for his kind wishes and prayers, pledging his continued support and loyalty.

“Thank you, Your Excellency for being who you have always been. Once in while, I will go to him and say, sir, let’s do an appraisal. Is there anything that I am not doing well so that we can put it in order because I am here to support? My job is nothing but to support and assist and make him succeed. If the Speaker is successful, I am successful. If you are a Deputy, you are a Deputy. You are not the principal.

“Sparingly do you find a principal who wants his Deputy to go high. I wish him well because the leadership circle still needs him around. He has treated me well and I enjoy working under him. We will keep following and the remaining 2 years, we will make sure that we give you all the support. And to the members, thank you for supporting Mr. Speaker. Thank you for being there for us. God bless you”, Kalu said.

Similarly, the House of Representatives Press Corps led by its chairman, Gboyega Onadiran also presented birthday card to the Deputy Speaker, describing him as an outstanding lawmaker.

The card read thus “We, the entire members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, heartily congratulate you on the occasion of your birthday.

“Your are indeed, very outstanding. Your commitment to legislative excellence has made a significant impact. You have stamped your feet on the sands of history.

“Ndi Igbo and Indeed, Nigeria at large must be proud of you, particularly in sponsoring the bill that birthed the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC).

“We pray that the Almighty God continues to be with you, grant you good health, and preserve your life so that future generations may benefit from your wealth of experience and the important national assignments entrusted to you. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.”

On their part, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also extended warm felicitations to the Deputy Speaker on the occasion of his birthday.

In a message jointly signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osuigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr. Mobalaji Ojibara, the NBA described Kalu as “a remarkable leader whose dedication to legislative excellence and commitment to democratic ideals continue to inspire hope and confidence in the governance of our nation.”

The Association commended the Deputy Speaker’s purposeful strides in the National Assembly, especially in promoting inclusive lawmaking, national unity, and constitutional reforms.

It further noted that his leadership journey from representing Bende Federal Constituency to serving as Deputy Speaker is a testament to his resilience and the high regard in which he is held by colleagues and constituents.

“As you mark this special day, we join your family, friends, and well-wishers in praying for continued wisdom, sound health, and renewed strength to sustain your impactful service to our beloved country,” the message read.