A Defining Moment: Former Nigerian Lawmakers Rally Under One Umbrella as Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu Champions National Cohesion

ONN Enugu Nigeria 3.05.2025

In a landmark stride toward democratic maturity and national unity, former legislators from all corners of Nigeria have, for the first time, converged in the historic city of Enugu South East Nigeria , under a single, non-partisan platform, an initiative championed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

This historic assembly represents more than a symbolic reunion; it is a strategic platform to consolidate legislative wisdom, foster policy innovation, and bridge generational gaps in governance. By bringing together former lawmakers across political affiliations and regions, the initiative underscores a shared commitment to nation-building and democratic continuity.

Rt. Hon. Kalu, known for his forward-thinking approach to inclusive governance, emphasized the critical need to institutionalize intergenerational dialogue within Nigeria’s legislative space. According to him, “this is not just about looking back with nostalgia, but about looking forward with purpose,leveraging the institutional memory, strategic networks, and rich experiences of those who once shaped our laws to guide those who shape them today.”

Key objectives and benefits of this initiative include:

•Mentorship and Leadership Development: Creating formal pathways for former lawmakers to mentor current and aspiring legislators, thereby strengthening the quality of representation and deepening leadership capacity across all levels of government.

•Legislative Capacity Building: Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of lawmaking through knowledge-sharing workshops, policy roundtables, and cross-generational collaboration.

•National Unity and Reconciliation: Serving as a healing platform for political reconciliation and national unity, particularly in a time of heightened ethno-political tensions.

•Preservation of Institutional Memory: Documenting and transmitting lessons learned, legislative records, and policy blueprints that can serve as references for future legislative cycles.

• Continuity and Evaluation: Enabling retrospective policy assessment and recommendations from those who understand the nuances and long-term impacts of legislative decisions.

•Non-Partisan Policy Advocacy: Mobilizing a respected and experienced cohort of former lawmakers to champion reforms and push for good governance, electoral integrity, and constitutional development.

Already, political observers and democratic stakeholders have hailed the platform as a masterstroke,one that signals a shift toward a more mature, collaborative, and introspective legislative environment. As Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, the legacy of this gathering may well be the foundation upon which more enduring institutions are built.

Many distinguished leaders and former lawmakers of the National Assembly who graced this epoch-making event, including former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State Senator Rochas Okorocha, and former Minister of Aviation Senator Stella Oduah, among others.

Special thanks to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his warm reception and exceptional hospitality.

Mazi Onyeani Kalu

The Grandmaster

Political Scientist. Pro-Life Advocate &

Promoter of good governance