Abia traditional rulers declare support for Tinubu over assent to SEDC bill

Traditional rulers in the Igbere ancient kingdom, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, have declared their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law.

The traditional rulers also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for sponsoring the bill in parliament.

The traditional rulers made these commitments during the Deputy Speaker’s visit to Igbere Wards A and B on Wednesday evening.

It is worth noting that Hon. Kalu, who represents the Bende federal constituency in Abia State, began a tour of the 13 electoral wards that make up the constituency on Saturday, August 3.

Welcoming Hon. Kalu to Igbere Ward B, various groups of men, women, and youth expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for attracting legacy projects to the area, affirming that their support for the APC government remains strong.

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Speaking on behalf of the Igbere traditional rulers, Eze Roland Ekeoma praised President Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law and also commended Kalu for effectively representing the constituency.

A statement by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, noted that the monarch adorned the Deputy Speaker in special cultural attire and presented him with a machete, symbolizing strength and encouragement.

The traditional rulers also offered prayers for Kalu’s greater political success, emphasizing their steadfast support for him.

In his remarks, Hon. Kalu, who donated bags of rice and fertilizers, stated that he was in Igbere to thank the people for their support during the 2023 general elections.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker had visited Igbere Ward A, where he expressed appreciation to the people for their support.

Upon his arrival, Hon. Kalu was greeted by youth and women’s groups who sang various songs in solidarity with the Deputy Speaker.

Both visits to Wards A and B witnessed the defection of several notable politicians from other political parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Mr. Okey Iboko, the 2023 Abia House of Assembly candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the Bende North State Constituency.