By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has received 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 Abia state, during an empowerment programme by Rep. Chris Nkwonta, member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on Saturday.
Addressing a gathering from Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government areas, Kalu disclosed that an influx of new defections to the party is imminent.
The Deputy Speaker said the defection was a reflection of the people’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown commitment to the development of Igbo’s, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
He said that the establishment of the Commission will essentially cater for the infrastructure needs of the region.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that Rep. Nkwonta, who is the chairman House Committee on South East Development Commission recently defected to the APC from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Kalu said: “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 the 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”.
Kalu who was also honored with a chieftaincy title of “Enyioha of Ukwa Kingdom” urged the people to continue to support the government of the President Tinubu, assuring that Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Abia as a State and indeed, Igbo land will be benefit from more democracy dividends.
Some of the decampees included the former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and former member, House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Stanley.