The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu was in Kano State yesterday to felicitate with the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi, His Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero on the marriage ceremony of their children.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, whose first port of call, was the palace of the Emir of Kano in Kano City, congratulated the revered Traditional Ruler and conveyed the best wishes of his family and constituents on the wedding of his son. Hon. Kalu recalled that the Emir of Kano had shown him uncommon love when he came to Bende on December 29, 2023 to honour him during his grand reception by his community and unveiling of the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P).
The Deputy Speaker also used the opportunity of the visit to assure the Emir that he would soon be coming back with a delegation of the Constitution Review Committee, which he Co-Chairs, to seek the invaluable contribution of the Traditional Ruler towards the strengthening of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Kalu thanked the Emir for his prayers and support to the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged Traditional Rulers to continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.
In his response, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for his visit and described him as a worthy son of Nigeria. The Emir noted that Hon. Kalu’s visit will further strengthen the bonds of national unity and cohesion which is required at this time and assured Hon. Kalu that the gates of the Kano Emirate will always remain open to him whenever he chooses to visit.
The Emir thanked the Deputy Speaker and his colleagues at the National Assembly for carrying Traditional Rulers along in the Constitution Review process and assured him that the Traditional Institution was made up of individuals with deep, invaluable experience whose insights, the Constitution Review Committee will find invaluable in their work.
The visit ended with the Emir saying a prayer for the President of the Country, leadership at all levels and the continued peace and progress of Nigeria.
At the City Residence of the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero in Kano, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu described the Emir as his valued friend and brother who has always shown him love. Hon. Kalu recalled with appreciation that the Emir of Bichi had to fly in from abroad to attend his Homecoming in December, 2023 and congratulated him on the marriage of his children.
The Emir, in his response, thanked the Deputy Speaker for his visit and assured him of the continuous support of the Traditional Institution in National development.
Members of the Deputy Speaker’s entourage included the House Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, Hon. Ahmed Kalambaina, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Toby Okechukwu – Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Clement Jimbu, Hon. Hassan Mohammed Danjuma, Nwadiala Emeka Wogu – Former Minister of Labour and senior aides of the Deputy Speaker.