By Samuel Okenyi
23/10/2026
Politics rewards those who deliver, and Bende has a rare asset: one of its own sits as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. That is the second most powerful seat in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, and it puts Bende at the table where national decisions are made.
Ndi Bende should ask a simple question: why trade a proven, well-placed representative for a newcomer who would start from zero? A fresh lawmaker spends years learning the House, building alliances and earning influence. Bende already has a representative with that influence, and he is putting it to work for the constituency.
The record is there for anyone willing to look. Representatives from all 13 wards passed a vote of confidence in him at his declaration, citing his legislative contributions, empowerment programmes and infrastructural interventions.
Traditional rulers from Bende South have praised his constituency projects and his ability to attract federal presence and development to Bende. The Benjamin Kalu Foundation has also supported education, healthcare and empowerment, including bursaries to over 400 Bende undergraduates in 2019. [Bende Federal Constituents Pass Vote of Confidence in Deputy Speaker Kalu, Endorse Re-election Bid.
His influence reaches beyond Bende. As Deputy Speaker, he chairs the committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution, where he and 14 others sponsored a bill to empower states to establish their own police. A son of Bende is helping shape the country’s future.
Continuity matters too. Roads, electrification, scholarships and empowerment schemes need follow-through, and an experienced representative can see them to completion. If this record continues, Bende’s youth will have more reason to build their futures at home. We must not discard a working arrangement for the sake of change alone.
To Ndi Bende: you have an advocate with a voice and a seat at the top. Do not let anyone talk you out of your advantage. Return Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for a third term.
