Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has thanked the people Ebonyi for standing united with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at the campaign yesterday in Abakiliki, Kalu said that the enthusiastic reception by the people of Ebonyi was indeed a clear expression of gratitude and a reassuring commitment to the consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as they look ahead to 2027. In the Abakiliki campaign, the Presidential Campaign Train of APC arrived in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following their 2–1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. Kalu, in a congratulatory message, described the triumph as a historic milestone for Nigerian football and a moment of immense national pride, noting that the achievement had further demonstrated the talent, resilience and competitive spirit of Nigerian girls on the global stage. The Deputy Speaker said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations…

Item Community in Aba, Abia State, on Friday received assurances from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the establishment and sustenance of tertiary institutions attracted to Bende Federal Constituency. Kalu attended the community’s cultural day in Aba, Abia State after participating in the day-long APC Presidential campaign in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. On his arrival, he was received by a large crowd singing the mandate anthem of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Item is a large community with three of the 13 electoral wards in Bende Federal Constituency, which the Deputy Speaker represents…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Abia State, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider engaging experienced journalists with proven integrity as ad hoc electoral officials, particularly Returning Officers, in the 2027 general elections. The Chapel Chairman, Deacon Steve Oko, made the appeal on Friday during the grand finale of the Chapel’s 2026 Press Week at Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia. Oko said journalists, by virtue of their professional training in observation, documentation and accurate reporting, could contribute to strengthening the credibility of the electoral process and public confidence in election results. He also…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on Igbo elders, leaders and stakeholders to close ranks and speak with one voice in politics. He cautioned that disunity has continued to weaken the political strength and heritage of Ndi Igbo of the South East region. Kalu made the call at the South East Stakeholders’ Convergence (SESC), also described as the South East Elders and Stakeholders Meeting, convened in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Friday to discuss unity, progress and peace in Igbo land. He also urged them to pay more than passive attention to…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the Igbo people of the South East region to embrace strategic political alliance as a path to relevance, dividends of democracy, and a secured tomorrow. Speaking during the inauguartion of Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Umuahia on Thursday, Kalu said the South East has been very successful in business over the years, rebuilding the region after the civil war without government intervention, because the people are strategic in their thinking. He said the same strategic formula that made them prosperous in business…

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Abia State government has urged Media houses and practitioners to be cautious of words, and focus on ethical journalism that will make the society a better place. The government stressed that it emphasis on ethical journalism is because words can unite, divide, bring peace, set already volatile area ablaze as well as promote democratic participation or discourage people from excising their civic responsibilities. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu gave the advise during the opening day of the 2026 press week with the theme “The Future of Journalism in an Era of…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned journalists against amplifying unverified election results, manipulated content and misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the 2027 general elections. INEC also disclosed that it was strengthening its technological infrastructure, cybersecurity and result management systems to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the polls. Abia State Resident Commissioner (REC) Prof. Sylvia Agu gave the warning on Wednesday at the 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, held at Bishop Nwedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia. DrumAfricanews reports that…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has lauded the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 20th anniversary on the throne. Kalu said that the Sultan has consistently promoted mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians in his 20 years on the throne of Sokoto Caliphate. The Deputy Speaker prayed for Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the Sultan sound health, wisdom and strength for many more years of service to the Sokoto Caliphate, the Muslim Ummah and the nation. In a goodwill message dated November 3, 2026, personally signed…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Nigerian-born Professor Dapo Akande on his election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa. In a statement, the Deputy Speaker said he was delighted to celebrate the scholar of exceptional intellect and global standing from Oyo State. He recalled receiving Professor Akande, the United Kingdom’s candidate for the ICJ top top at the National Assembly on June 3, 2026, alongside officials of the British High Commission, where he expressed strong support for his candidacy.…