Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Spokesperson of the House of Representatives received members of the Northern Friends Neighborhood Association, Abia State today, November 20th, 2021 at his country home in Bende, Abia State.
The Association which was formed by the northerners in Abia state to bring them together to organize and cater for their welfare in the community and state, paid the courtesy visit with the seven-man delegation made up of their executives.
The delegation led by the ……who spoke on behalf of the association stated that they had come to pay homage to the honorable member who has a very good friend of the northerners over the years, as they do not always have the opportunity to see him owing to the responsibility which they had given to him to represent the good people of Bende. They appreciated him for an excellent delivery in this task adding that he has effectively represented Bende(indigenes and otherwise) and also Nigeria in at large.
Chief Daniel Akwari who was also present at the meeting while speaking appreciated the Northerners for coming, adding that they don’t take the visit for granted as the essence of their visit is a significant milestone in the unity and peace that Nigeria ought to be known for. He emphasized that this is what brotherhood is about and should not sabotaged.
He further added that the representative is a proud son of Bende who has made them proud in all ramification while encouraging them to continue to promote the peace and unity they stand for and for God to continue to keep them safe.
Rep. Kalu who welcomed the Northern friends warmly with the local white chalk ‘nzu’ a traditional way of receiving guests explained what it meant in the Bende culture and its importance, in his response thanked the northerners for coming, while expressing the need for Nigerians all around the country to live peacefully. In his words;
‘Nigeria is a beautiful place. People with small minds are the ones who would want Nigeria to reduce, however, people with big minds will want the country to take up other countries and expand.
I’ll always support a Nigeria that is bigger than what it currently is. I am delighted when I see Nigerians in other areas of the country, I celebrate them. Especially, in the North. I have a friend who has been with me for 21 years and he speaks the hausa language and understands both the Southern and Northern culture.
When one culture misunderstands the other people like him bridge the miscommunication gap, this is the beauty of diversity. If we can live like that it will promote national cohesion.’
The lawmaker assured them that he will continue to make sure that not just Bende but Abia state is safe and peaceful for them to live and go about their businesses. He added that he is available to help whenever they encounter any problem, he encouraged them to reach out to him at anytime without any form of hesitation.
He also assured them that he will continue to remain a friend of the Northerners and his house is open for them any day anytime. He encouraged them to remain peaceful people even in the midst of chaos.
‘In unity and peace, there is progress. When others make trouble please preach peace. You are always welcome to my house and I’ll always be here to answer you because my friends in the north are protecting your brothers there.’
While the member presented the guests with copies of his yearly report in the constituency, the Northern friends said a prayer for him before they took their leave.
