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Kalu Rallies South East to Embrace Centre for Greater National Gains

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…as he unveils Renewed Hope Partners in Umuahia

…seek federal projects to boost regional economy

By Gloria Ikibah

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South East to forge stronger political alignment with the federal government, stressing that such synergy is key to unlocking greater development opportunities for the region.

Kalu made this call on Thursday in Umuahia, Abia State, during the formal launch of Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a political and development-oriented platform tailored to advance the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Describing the RHP as a strategic tool, Kalu explained that it would serve to bridge national policies with regional priorities, ensuring that the South East fully benefits from the federal government’s agenda.

Speaking to a crowd of stakeholders and supporters, the Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, cited various achievements under the current administration, particularly in the South East, and reassured the people of the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure, economic inclusion, and stability.

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He called on the federal government to prioritize key developmental projects in the region, including the construction of a gas pipeline to support industrial growth, the dredging of the Onitsha River to revive inland water transport and trade, and the expansion of the Onne port to ease logistics and boost economic activities across the South.

Kalu urged the region to leverage its collective strength and re-engage with the centre for long-term relevance and impact, noting that the time had come for strategic partnership over political isolation.

He said: “As we approach the midpoint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre. The Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) is a formidable vehicle that is demonstrating our seriousness for this cause by translating the national achievements of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration into regional gains, and by delivering the majority of votes in the South East geopolitical zone for our dear President in 2027.
“My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The President’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youth, and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration. By embedding these structures, strategies, and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandate, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits from but also drives the continuity of this administration.”
To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to South East Development Commission (SEDC) outreach teams to turn policy wins into grassroots programs.
“We will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to SEDC outreach teams, turning policy wins into grassroots programs. Align each of the seven pillars with local town-hall campaigns, ensuring every citizen sees the direct benefits of President Tinubu’s agenda,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted several milestones recorded under President Tinubu’s administration, including proposed investments totalling $50.8 billion, a rise in national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion within the first half of 2024, and a GDP growth rate pegged at 3.4% for the year.

He also pointed to a sharp rise in foreign remittances, which reportedly hit $23.4 billion—marking a 61.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Referencing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, Kalu noted that the shift is expected to reduce the country’s petrol import bill by over ₦2 trillion monthly.

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He said: “In 2024, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received. This substantial growth, exceeding $4.22 billion through International Money Transfer Operators between January and October, represents a 61.1% year-on-year increase.
“President Bola Tinubu has so far attracted proposed investments worth $50.8 billion into the country, according to ongoing compilation by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment—evidence that investors trust President Tinubu’s vision.
“The Compressed Natural Gas initiative will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports. One million low-cost conversion kits are currently being distributed.”
Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.
He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), established in July 2024, with a constituted board and executive management team.
 “President Tinubu has recommitted to finishing the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor. Once operational, it will link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.
“The SEDC’s “Triple-R” mandate (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reintegration) is already off to a great start with steps taken under the able leadership of the commission’s board with its recent MOU signing with the UNDP for a South East Integrated Development Masterplan”, Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted several other initiatives, including the construction of housing units, fertilizer distribution, and mechanized equipment for farmers.
 “The first 3,112 housing units in Karsana will soon be completed. Six geopolitical-zone cities and 36 state-level estates will deliver over 100,000 homes, generating tens of thousands of construction jobs across Nigeria”, he added.
Kalu appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize several high-impact interventions, including constructing key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East, supporting capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, and dredging and rehabilitating the Onitsha River.
“To leverage the South East’s comparative strengths and fast-track President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government can seize the following high-impact interventions to accelerate the construction of key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East to spur industrialization in Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, ensuring affordable compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and industrial feedstock reach transport hubs, agro-processors, and SMEs.
“Support further capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, reinforcing the zone’s energy security and creating thousands of construction and operations jobs.
“Green-light urgent dredging and wharf rehabilitation, linking the Niger inland waterway to regional and international trade routes. Fast-track the Onne container-terminal upgrade under the Port Harcourt corridor plan, integrating South East logistics with South-South hubs.
“Identify and develop sea-ports at Bonny/Opobo and Bakassi to relieve Lagos congestion and unlock export pathways for South East agricultural and manufactured goods”, Kalu said.
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Just in: Three PDP governors missing at ongoing convention in Oyo

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Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Sim Fubara (Rivers) are yet to arrive the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) holding at Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Lagos.

They are among high profile members of the party not participating in the convention, which was preceded with conflicting court orders amid the crisis affecting the party.

Source: Nation

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PASAN ready for nationwide strike as 21-day notice expires

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The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has given a final notice to all its chapters nationwide, to embark on an indefinite strike as its 21-day ultimatum to state governors draws to a close.

The imminent industrial action could disrupt legislative activities across all 36 State Houses of Assembly.

The union’s action follows a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Bauchi on October 23, 2025, where members resolved to give State Governments a 21-day deadline—effective October 24—to begin implementing the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and full financial autonomy for State Legislatures, in line with Section 121(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

An official directive (Ref: PASAN/NS/SGO/01, dated November 12, 2025) confirmed that the ultimatum will expire on Friday, November 15, 2025.

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The National Secretariat expressed dissatisfaction that despite providing “ample window for compliance, reports reaching the national secretariat indicate that most State Governments are yet to begin the implementation as directed.”

In a decisive move toward enforcement, PASAN instructed its zonal leaders to activate full mobilization. In a memo titled “Directive to Mobilize for Industrial Action,” the union ordered all National Vice Presidents to “immediately mobilize all Chapters within their respective zones for industrial action as soon as the ultimatum elapses.

This action is to ensure full enforcement of the NEC resolution and to press home our demand for the implementation of CONLESS without further delay.”

The union also wrote to Rt. Honourable Speakers across the states (Ref: PASAN/NS/ADM/OF/22, dated November 13, 2025), informing them of the ultimatum’s expiration and its readiness to strike. PASAN lamented that “the said ultimatum expired Friday, 14th November, 2025, without any concrete response or positive action from most State Governments.”
While restating its preference for dialogue, PASAN urged its members to remain focused and united.

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“While we continue to pursue our legitimate demands, all members are enjoined to remain resolute, law-abiding, and united in the struggle for justice and improved welfare. In solidarity,” it said. However, it stressed that workers “can no longer continue under unfair and discriminatory treatment,” warning that the persistent neglect of its demands amounts to “institutional disregard for the legislative workforce.”
PASAN added that it has written to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN), alerting them to the looming strike and urging immediate intervention to avert a nationwide shutdown of legislative activities.

The correspondence, jointly signed by Comrade Mohammed Usman, National President, and Comrade Agugbue Ugochi, Acting National Secretary, and dated November 13, 2025, was titled “Notification of Expiration of 21-Day Ultimatum and Readiness for Industrial Action.” It was also copied to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Clerks of State
Assemblies, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and security agencies including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Reiterating its call for urgent action, the union stated that “the patience of our members has been overstretched,” and urged the Governors’ Forum to collectively prevail on State Governments to implement CONLESS “in the interest of industrial harmony and the effective functioning of State Legislatures.”
With just hours left before the ultimatum expires, Nigeria’s legislative workforce stands on the edge of a nationwide shutdown. Without swift intervention from the governors, the strike could effectively halt legislative proceedings across the federation.

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FCTA’s ‘Breath Clean Air Initiative’: Wike Offers 5,000 Households With Free Cooking Gas Cylinder, Six Months Refill

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As the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commences full implementation of its ‘Breathe Clean Air Initiative’, over 5,000 Households are set to benefit from it and also eenjoy free gas cylinders with free refill of their cooking gas for six months.

This disclosure was made on Saturday when the Safe Environment Renewable Project- Breath clean Air Abuja, was officially launched.

The Mandate secretary, FCTA, Health and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the focus of the program is not about sharing palliatives, but to address ignorance about the people’s environment and help women manage the home and health of their household better.

She noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has touched every area of human life with the aim of improving standards of living for all classes of people.

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Fasawe stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has keyed into the visions of President Tinubu and has shown enough commitment towards making the FCT a better place for all.

She said, “ the truth is, health is wealth. Health and environment are equal. So the focus of this program is not only to give out palliatives, as we’ve done in the past.

“ The focus of this program is to address the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiatives. It’s to tell Nigerians that if only we can put our hands together, and not wait for governments alone, we can have a happy, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria. Because truly, with peace and prosperity Nigeria will be great again”.

Also Speaking, Dr. Babagena Adams, Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, disclosed that the initiative was important, as it would help to end the stress that pregnant women pass through.

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He said , “ We’re also saving the pregnant women, along with the family. So if they live healthy, they’ll be more productive, and the GDP of FCT will increase. So a healthy community is a wealthy community, so that’s the benefit”.

Earlier in his speech, a partner of the initiative and the Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Darwish, said that the initiative was designed to help stop mothers and the children from inhaling toxic gases that are injurious to their health.

He said some of the hazards that followed long use of fire wood, charcoals for cooking are lung cancer diseases among other lung related ailments.

According to him, “ the six month voucher distributed in addition to the cylinder would encourage the beneficiaries to sustain the usage of the gas cylinders.

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“ This program, in a nutshell and simple English, is about helping 5,000 mothers, sisters, and daughters by not inhaling toxic gases anymore, and by really making sure that their health is better by breathing fresh air. That’s in a nutshell”, he added.

Also, the executive vice President of HIS, Ayotade Oyinlola, speaking on the impact of the initiative, said the distribution will significantly reduce family income spent on medical bills.

A consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist specialist, National Hospital Abuja, and Secretary Nigerian Cancer Society, FCT Chapter, Dr. Ayuba Hannatu Usman, Said the initiative is centred on health prevention, while considering lifestyle improvement.

Adding her voice, Daniela Omotola, who is one those spearheading the campaign, using Rotaract Clubs in Abuja, praised the project as a timely, life-changing intervention that will help reduce pollution-related illnesses and support a healthier FCT.

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Stakeholders at the launch noted that as more households transition to cooking gas, the pressure on surrounding ecosystems — including tree loss, soil degradation and rising temperatures — is expected to decline over time.

The FCTA said the project is part of its broader strategy to promote environmental health, reduce pollution and create safer living conditions for residents of the Federal Capital Territory in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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