Ben Kalu: Tinubu has given Ndigbo more than the votes he received

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says President Bola Tinubu has done more for the south-east than the number of votes he received from the geopolitical zone during the 2023 election.

Speaking on Sunday at the APC south-east zonal meeting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, Kalu asked people of the region to support the Tinubu administration’s resolve to address perceived marginalisation.

Tinubu got 2,187,599 votes in the south-east during the 2023 presidential election — the lowest tally of the six geopolitical zones.

The president received 4,350,987 votes in the south-west, 2,745,707 in the south-south, 3,116,472 in the north-east, 4,261,784 in the north-central, and 6,468,492 in the north-west.

“President Bola Tinubu has given Ndigbo more than the votes cast for him during the elections,” Kalu said.

“It is presently left for us to repay him for his good works because when one shows appreciation, he gets more.

“The process for the south-east development commission bill which would solve the numerous challenges confronting Igbos has been finalised and awaiting the president’s assent.

“The national assembly under the leadership of APC will continue to leverage legislative interventions to reposition the south-east and indeed the nation.

“To this end, therefore, efforts are on to give an additional state to the south-east. The call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu is resonating as one of the keys to resolving the security challenges in our zone.

“It is, therefore, appropriate on an occasion like this to thank everyone who has keyed into this effort, including our governors, senators, members of the house of representatives, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, etc. May we not relent until the deed is done.”

Kalu said Tinubu has offered several appointments to people from the south-east.

“The recent appointments of several illustrious sons and daughters of the region demonstrate the party’s commitment to inclusivity,” he said.

“In addition, given all the remarkable achievements of the president and our great party in the last one year, I urge the south-east region to remain steadfast and not join any calls to revolt against a president who has done so much for our country.

“We must stand united in support of his visionary leadership.”