The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Orji Udeagha, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, declaring that Bende people “will not trade gold for ashes.”
Udeagha made the remarks while addressing party supporters and stakeholders during the Bende Stakeholders endorsement rally held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over zoning of the House of Representatives seat, Udeagha dismissed claims that there was an existing zoning arrangement in Bende Federal Constituency.
According to him, while the people of Bende had historically maintained an understanding on power rotation among the blocs, there was no binding zoning agreement that would prevent Kalu from seeking another term.
He argued that the Umunna bloc had previously occupied the House of Representatives seat for four terms—16 years—through the late Hon. Bawa Mbaja and former lawmaker Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, while the Ikwuisii bloc had held the position for three terms, including the current tenure of Benjamin Kalu.
Questioning the fairness of calls for another rotation, Udeagha said those promoting zoning were ignoring the political history of the constituency.
He eulogized Kalu for his legislative performances, describing him as the most impactful representative Bende Federal Constituency has produced.
According to Udeagha, Kalu has transformed representation by attracting development projects, constructing roads across all wards in Bende, facilitating electricity projects in communities, and expanding employment opportunities for youths through appointments into various federal agencies.
He also commended the Deputy Speaker for what he described as unprecedented access to democratic dividends for constituents, adding that many residents now directly benefit from federal empowerment programmes.
Udeagha further highlighted the establishment of two federal institutions in Bende Local Government, describing the development as a major achievement capable of creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the area.
He said the institutions would encourage business activities and provide opportunities for young people through services such as tailoring, barbing, food vending, and other small-scale enterprises.
The APC House of Assembly candidate maintained that Kalu’s position as Deputy Speaker places Bende at the centre of national decision-making and should be preserved in the interest of the constituency.
He urged the people of Bende to unite behind the Deputy Speaker’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that continuity would enable him to sustain ongoing developmental projects and attract more federal presence to the constituency.
“We have decided that we will support Benjamin Kalu again. We will vote for him again and send him back to the House of Representatives to continue the work he has been doing for Bende people,” Udeagha declared.
