Igbere was agog with joy and excitement on Friday, February 17, 2023, as they gave the member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Spokesperson of the House of Reps, Rep. Benjamin Kalu a hero’s welcome on his arrival to the community in furtherance of his campaign ward tour.
The APC Flag bearer commenced his ward-to-ward campaign tour to all wards across the Federal Constituency weeks ago touching all nooks and crannies of Bende.
Rep. Kalu was formally received by the community by the Traditional Rulers in Igbere led by the Chairman, Traditional Rulers in Bende Local Government, HRM. Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu at his palace at Amaofife in Igbere.
The traditional Leaders described Rep. Kalu as their “beloved son in whom they are well pleased” stating that he has done what no previous representative has done in Bende since the inception of democracy. They assured him of their full support for his reelection emphasizing that his victory is sure. They encouraged him to remain steadfast in upholding integrity and uprightness in leadership.
The traditional rulers also endorsed the Member representing Bende North State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu assuring him of their support and votes. They blessed the duo while praying for God’s protection, and victory in the coming elections.
The campaign trail made four stops in the two wards of Igbere including Amaukwu, Amankalu, Ibinaukwu, and Ohumola where they were given a carnival-like reception by men, women, youths, and children of the various villages in Igbere Clan.
Stakeholders of the communities took time to eulogize Rep. Kalu for breaking the status quo in Bende Federal Constituency applauding him for the excellent performance at the Green Chambers in putting Bende on the global map just like he promised. They emphasized that Igbere will always be his home and will always welcome him as their son following this long lasting relationship and service with the Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Speaking at Amaukwu, the Former Local Government Chairman of the Party APC, Chief Joshua Jonah Okpai stressed that the Representative has demystified all the lies that Bende people were told about representation, he emphasized that Igbere people love good and cannot settle for less. He encouraged the people to come out en masse on Saturday 25th February to re-elect the Representative.
According to him:
“If we all tell ourselves the truth, we will see that the emergence of Rep. Benjamin Kalu has blessed the people of Igbere. Look at the Uche Ebiri Hall, the Solar-Powered borehole in Elu Okafia, the newly Constructed and renovated Schools in Ezi-Igbere and Onuibina, the distribution of education and learning materials across communities schools, and the distribution of solar street lights. Only Ben can do this in three months”
He urged them to disregard any gossip or side conversations being spread about the Representative because they were all intended to malign Rep. Benjamin Kalu.
The Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu also appreciated the mammoth crowd for always standing with the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the only party that has attracted more dividends of democracy to Igbere in particular, Bende Federal Constituency and Abia North Senatorial District. He compared the developmental strides of the APC and that of PDP in Bende and Abia North reiterating that the government of APC has indeed proven to have the interest of the people at heart.
Rep. Kalu while speaking to the constituents appreciated the Igbere community for the gracious reception given to him describing Igbere as his second home, he appealed to the electorates to vote the Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels of government to ensure that they continue enjoying dividends of democracy and good governance.