The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has rejoiced with the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on his 53rd birth, which comes up on Sunday, May 5.
The Speaker, in a birthday message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described Kalu as a “worthy and dependable partner,” who has been a pillar of support to him.
Speaker Abbas said Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, has given a good account of himself as a democrat and a patriotic Nigerian since his first election to the House in 2019.
After Kalu’s reelection in 2023, Speaker Abbas noted, his sterling qualities stood him out, which was why he was unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker on June 13 last year.
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is one Nigerian who deserves to be celebrated for his commitment, dedication, and zeal to nation-building.
“Since our emergence as Speaker and Deputy respectively on June 13, 2023, Rt. Hon. Kalu has been a worthy partner. He has been giving me all the necessary support in piloting the affairs of the House.
“I am quite thrilled by his good qualities. His contributions are worthy of commendation. He is an ally who shares my vision for the 10th House and the nation as a whole,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Abbas wished Kalu more fruitful years in sound health, even as he prayed to God to grant the Deputy Speaker more wisdom as he continues with his service to the fatherland.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
[05/05, 17:01] Nwabuko Clement: *House of Representatives, National Assembly*
*Press Release*
*HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FELICITATES DEPUTY SPEAKER, RT. HON. BENJAMIN OKEZIE KALU ON BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY*
*ABUJA-FCT | Saturday, May 4, 2024 -* The House of Representatives extends warm felicitations to the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
A leader and parliamentarian of outstanding merit, Rt. Hon. Kalu has distinguished himself in public service over the last two decades. From his early days in politics, serving as Council Chairman of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, through his years in the Abia State Executive Council, he has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for service.
Rt. Hon. Kalu’s appointment as Spokesman of the Nigeria House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly left a commendable legacy for the Green Chamber, significantly improving its reputation and social license to function as the people’s house. This legacy has continued to resonate in the current 10th Assembly, setting a standard for transparency and accountability in parliamentary affairs.
In his nearly one year in office as Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kalu’s inspiring leadership and collaboration with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen as Presiding Officers of the Green Chamber have been truly remarkable. His unique style of dialogue, advocacy, participation, and inclusivity, as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, further underscores his unwavering commitment to high-impact leadership.
*”Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is one Nigerian who deserves to be celebrated for his commitment, dedication, and zeal to nation-building. Since our emergence as Speaker and Deputy respectively on June 13, 2023, Rt. Hon. Kalu has been a worthy partner. He has been giving me all the necessary support in piloting the affairs of the House. I am quite thrilled by his good qualities. His contributions are worthy of commendation. He is an ally who shares my vision for the 10th House and the nation as a whole,”* said Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
As one of the foremost leaders from the South-East region today, Rt. Hon. Kalu has continued to champion peace and development through his brainchild, the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P). This strategic effort, as seen by all, is restoring the region to its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people.
As he celebrates this milestone year, marking his first birthday in the exalted office of Deputy Speaker, we extend hearty cheers and prayers for his longevity, greater wisdom, and uncommon strength.