The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians of more dividends of democracy from the present government.
While highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s legacies in the South East over the last two years, he emphasized the need for the region to align decisively with the centre.
Mr. Kalu made the call while unveiling the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a multipurpose vehicle aimed at realizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State.
Mr. Kalu said that RHP will play a crucial role in translating President Tinubu’s administration’s national achievements into regional gains.
“As we approach the midpoint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre. The Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) is a formidable vehicle that is demonstrating our seriousness for this cause by translating the national achievements of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration into regional gains, and by delivering the majority of votes in the South East geopolitical zone for our dear President in 2027.
“My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The President’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youth, and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration. By embedding these structures, strategies, and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandate, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits from but also drives the continuity of this administration,” Mr. Kalu said.
To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to South East Development Commission (SEDC) outreach teams to turn policy wins into grassroots programmes.
“We will launch ‘Renewed Hope Councils’ in all South East LGAs, linked to SEDC outreach teams, turning policy wins into grassroots programs. Align each of the seven pillars with local town-hall campaigns, ensuring every citizen sees the direct benefits of President Tinubu’s agenda,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker said that the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration included attracting proposed investments worth $50.8 billion, doubling aggregate national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion in H1 2024, and achieving a GDP growth rate of 3.4% in 2024.
He noted that the government has recorded a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received, representing a 61.1% year-on-year increase.
The Deputy Speaker also recalled the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports.
Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.
He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), established in July 2024, with a constituted board and executive management team.
“The SEDC’s ‘Triple-R’ mandate (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reintegration) is already off to a great start with steps taken under the able leadership of the commission’s board with its recent MOU signing with the UNDP for a South East Integrated Development Masterplan,” Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted several other initiatives, including the construction of housing units, fertilizer distribution, and mechanized equipment for farmers.
“The first 3,112 housing units in Karsana will soon be completed. Six geopolitical-zone cities and 36 state-level estates will deliver over 100,000 homes, generating tens of thousands of construction jobs across Nigeria,” he added.
Kalu appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize several high-impact interventions, including constructing key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East, supporting capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, and dredging and rehabilitating the Onitsha River.
“To leverage the South East’s comparative strengths and fast-track President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government can seize the following high-impact interventions to accelerate the construction of key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East to spur industrialization in Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, ensuring affordable compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and industrial feedstock reach transport hubs, agro-processors, and SMEs.”
He also called for fast-tracking of the Onne container terminal upgrade under the Port Harcourt corridor plan, integrating South East logistics with South-South hubs.
“Identify and develop sea-ports at Bonny/Opobo and Bakassi to relieve Lagos congestion and unlock export pathways for South East agricultural and manufactured goods,” Kalu added.
