Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal constituency, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has scored the current level of drug control in Nigeria below 50% stating that the house will ensure to set up legal frameworks to bring it at par with global standards. While speaking at the CSO-Parliamentary Stakeholders’ policy roundtable held in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the representative mentioned that there is a growing concern for drug abuse in the country. The event which was held at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja on the 7th of…

The representatives of the APC executives in Bende LGA paid a courtesy call to the member representing Bende Federal Constituency Rep. Benjamin Kalu, yesterday, June 5th, 2021 at the House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex. The executives in attendance include Mr. Lucky Philip, the Vice Chairman of the LGA, Chief Mrs. Uwaezu Ogbonna, the Woman Leader, Comr. Nduoma Okoroafor, Youth Leader, Comr. Igwe Chibuisi Agu, LG Organizing Secretary, Okechukwu Igwe, Asst. Legal Adviser, also present at the meeting was Chief Daniel Akwari, a stakeholders from Bende LGA, and members of staff from the office of the representative. The Vice-Chairman while…

In line with the Petroleum Industry Bill recently passed by the National Assembly, Representatives have been asked to further engage with their constituents in order to enlighten Nigerians on the bill and its components. Following this, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Member, Representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rep. Benjamin Kalu in an online engagement session with Bende constituents which held on the 4th of July 2021, participated in a question and answer session to address pertinent issues regarding the PIB. A recap of the questions and answers by the representative: Question by Constituents (Q): The Petroleum Industry Bill…

The Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives has sent his warm wishes to the mother of the former Governor of Abia State, an elder stateswoman, Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu as she celebrates her birthday. Describing her as a unique mother for all, especially to the Bende people, he added that she is a woman of strength who has raised leaders in all spheres of life. The Representative prayed that God continues to grant her long life and good health as she adds another year to her life. I am delighted to join…

The Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency Rep. Benjamin Kalu received the Political Officer of the United States Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Howard, yesterday, 28th June 2021 at his office at the House of Representatives. Speaking at the Office of the Spokesperson, Mr. Howard stated that as a partner to Nigeria’s democracy, the US Mission in Nigeria would always support activities that advance democracy in Nigeria. He highlighted that in his line of work, he has come to the realization that the House of Representatives is closest to the masses, adding that the…

The Spokesperson, House of Representatives, and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency has felicitated with the Speaker, House of Representatives on his 59th Birthday describing him as a selfless leader and true nation builder. The spokesperson expressed his pleasure while celebrating the Hon. Speaker, appreciating him for his commitment to good governance which has yielded remarkable results in the 9th House of Representatives, adding that the speaker has raised the bar of registration not just in Nigeria but in Africa and beyond. He said: ‘As the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, you have redefined legislation and lifted the bar…

The Spokesperson of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs addressed the Media Aides and Information personnel of the National Assembly during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on the 21st of June, 2021. In his address, He emphasized the role of media in governance and leadership, highlighting that effective understanding of the media and its use is key to the success of any legislative assembly. He said: ‘The contrasting views of the above leaders, however divergent, have a common denominator; they confirm that there is an intrinsic…

The Spokesperson of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs addressed the Media Aides and Information personnel of the National Assembly during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on the 21st of June, 2021. In his address, the representative emphasized the role of media in governance and leadership, highlighting that effective understanding of the media and its use is key to the success of any legislative assembly. He said: ‘The contrasting views of the above leaders, however divergent, have a common denominator; they confirm that there is…

The member representing Bende Federal Constituency has celebrated all fathers in Bende Federal Constituency and Nigeria at large. In a statement released today, the member expressed his pleasure to celebrate this special day set aside to appreciate the fathers of this society for the special roles they play in guidance, protection, and discipline, mentioning that fathers represent a pillar in their families and beyond. He urged all fathers of Bende Federal Constituency and beyond to continue praying for lasting peace in our communities and our country, Nigeria as they celebrate this special day. He prayed that the fatherly sacrifices they…

The House of Representatives today, June 15, 2021 published the achievements of the last two years of the 9th Assembly. Recall that June 11, 2021 made it two years, the 9th House resumed its duties. This release was made by the spokesperson of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu. The release encapsulates the journey of the house in the last two years highlighting the achievements in security, bills, motions, petitions, COVID-19 and other Interventions, Public partnership and transparency, E-parliament and also challenges of the House. Conclusively, the House also stated the  outlook of the activities for the next two sessions. Adding…