By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has expressed deep appreciation to journalists covering legislative proceedings on their role in educating the public on the fundamentals of democracy.
Speaking to members of the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) at the National Assembly in Abuja, Kalu reflected on his past role as spokesperson, and stressed how necessary it is for legislators to engage with the media.
The Deputy Speaker recognised the difficult task journalists have to gor through in ensuring that Nigerians understand the fulcrum of democracy, especially as the system is still evolving.
He said: “It is one of the most difficult jobs to do because Nigeria is not used to this arm of government,” he stated.
Kalu recognised the the intentional efforts of the press in educating the masses.
According to him, the media’s persistent push has led to greater public understanding of how democracy functions and its role in advancing the nation.
“Your publications will not be forgotten”, Kalu said, even as he praised journalists for their role in nation-building.
“Your work is like laying bricks for the country’s development, encouraging them to continue writing despite the challenges they face”, he added.
The Deputy Speaker further reassured the media that their contributions to democracy will be remembered by posterity.
Speaking on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Kalu stated that while the nation is advancing, there is still much work to be done.
“We are not static.
“Once there is a movement, sometimes it will be fast, sometimes slow, but we are not static, and we keep moving until we get to our destination”, he said.
On the recent developments, including the establishment of development commissions across geopolitical zones, Kalu praised President Tinubu for approving these commissions, especially in the Southeast, where the said scars of war are still fresh.
Speaking further on legislative matters, Kalu addressed the National Assembly’s role in the review of the constitution, emphasizing the need for laws to evolve with society.
He therefore urged the media to help the public understand that proposals are not laws and that misinformation should be avoided. He also clarified the process of state creation and other parliamentary proposals, reassuring the public that such proposals are still under review and have not been enacted into law.