Benjamin Kalu and the Rising Tide of Renewed Hope in the South-East~ By Adamazi Mary Ikoku

Something truly remarkable is happening in the South-East, and it began on the first day of June in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State. The Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) was inaugurated with over 20,000 members, marking a significant step in mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. RHP aims to deepen engagement and carry the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to every ward and polling unit in Abia State and across the entire South-East. This initiative not only underscores Kalu's commitment to the agenda but also highlights his growing influence in Nigerian politics.

At the ceremony, Hon. Benjamin Kalu reminded members that President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda "is not just a slogan, but a comprehensive blueprint for Nigeria's progress." He urged them to see themselves as "grassroots ambassadors of progress," mandated to take the message of the agenda to every community. According to him, "The Renewed Hope Agenda is a call to action, and we must work tirelessly to ensure its success." This is not just another political catchphrase or campaign chant. Kalu knows what he is talking about. If anything, his political career is built on a solid foundation.

Today, Kalu’s political star is rising, shining brighter than ever. It is almost hard to believe it has only been two years since he became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Not that he was unknown back then. His journey in public service began early. At 21, he was already the National President of the PDP Diaspora chapter. By 32, he became the youngest chairman of Bende Local Government Area. He also served under former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as Senior Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (2007 to 2009) and under T A Orji on Millennium Development Goals and International Relations (2009 to 2010)

It was only natural that after those roles, Benjamin Kalu would aim for national office. He did, but he lost in the primaries for House of Representatives in 2002. He failed again in 2011 and 2015, both times as a PDP candidate. But he remained undaunted. In 2019, he won the seat under the APC, representing Bende Federal Constituency. And in 2023, during a wave that saw an LP governor-elect emerge in Abia, Kalu stood his ground and won re-election as an APC candidate. That alone speaks volumes about his staying power and the depth of his base.

Becoming Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is no small feat. It requires political heft and a strong support base. Kalu had both. His unanimous election by the members of the 10th National Assembly proved it. He had already served as the House spokesperson when Femi Gbajabiamila was Speaker, and he gave a good account of himself, something not forgotten by the man who is now Chief of Staff to the President.

In his new role, Kalu has continued to perform impressively. That is why his colleagues have not regretted their choice. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said as much in a heartfelt birthday message to Kalu 13 months ago. He described him as “a worthy and dependable partner” and added, “He has been giving me all the necessary support in piloting the affairs of the House. I am quite thrilled by his good qualities. His contributions are worthy of commendation. He is an ally who shares my vision for the 10th House and the nation as a whole.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu echoed that sentiment. In his birthday message to Kalu last May, the President described him as “a seasoned parliamentarian who has demonstrated outstanding legislative acumen and commitment since his election in 2019 to represent Bende Federal Constituency.”

These are not just birthday pleasantries. They reflect the level of trust Kalu has earned at the highest level of government. And more importantly, they signal the new working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. Gone are the days of bitterness and rivalry, even within the same party. Today, both arms appear in sync, working together for the greater good.

President Tinubu acknowledged Kalu’s role in enacting key legislation like the Student Loan Act 2024, the Nigerian Start-up Act 2022, and the South East Development Commission Act.

Kalu is not just present in Abuja. His impact is also visible at home. In the same month that the RHP was launched, the President signed into law three of Kalu’s bills establishing tertiary institutions in Abia and Imo states: the Federal College of Education and Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende and Item Bende, respectively, and the Federal University in Okigwe, Imo State.

These schools aim to provide quality education and research opportunities, particularly in the health sector. They will train professionals, conduct research in medical sciences and health policy, and improve health outcomes across the region.

Grateful as ever, Kalu thanked the President, the Senate, his colleagues, and the Nigerian public for their support. In his words, the new institutions mark “a significant milestone in promoting education and development in the region.”

But Kalu’s influence is not limited to institutions and infrastructure. In Cross River, during a visit to an orphanage in Calabar, he met twin sisters, Chidera Emmanuela and Chimankpa Emmanuel Maduka, aged 12. Orphaned and without much hope, they told him they wanted to study law. A lawyer himself, Kalu was deeply moved and immediately pledged to sponsor their education through university. He came with friends, colleagues, and his University of Calabar alumni. They left the orphanage several million naira richer and with a commitment to a better future for those girls.

“We will take over the training of Chidera and her twin to university level,” he said. “I’m happy and proud they want to study law. We will support them. We will pay your school fees. The people you’re seeing here are your fathers and mothers. We are going to appoint a committee that will be taking care of you.”

In addition to his legislative work, Kalu has initiated projects aimed at promoting peace and supporting vulnerable groups. For instance, he championed the Peace in South East Project and created a Peace Fund to support widows and families of security officers killed in the line of duty. Furthermore, he has pushed for more female representation in political offices and has sponsored several bills in that direction.

Between June 2023 and May 2024, Kalu sponsored 90 bills covering key areas like security, education, environment, and technology. Over 64 per cent are awaiting second reading, 21 per cent are under consideration, 12 per cent have passed in the House, and a few have already been signed into law. That is a solid legislative record in just two years.

His style is direct. He gets things done and moves on to the next project. That’s how he’s been able to complete several roads, health centres, classroom blocks, and community buildings in Alayi, Bende, Igbere, and Item—all in just two years.

Naturally, some political veterans in Abia are beginning to feel the heat. Some who had decades in office and left behind little are watching Kalu complete in two years what they couldn’t do in ten. The grumbling is loud, but it’s not surprising.

Even so, Benjamin Kalu seems less concerned with political shadows and more focused on real work. His energy is now directed at regional development. The South East Development Commission Act and RHP are just two examples. If both are implemented as planned, they could unlock massive economic growth in the region.

Only days ago, Kalu addressed the European Parliament in Brussels. He asked the European Union to stop the empty promises and build a true partnership with Africa. “The time for rhetoric is over,” he said. “Nigeria and Africa are ready. We ask the EU to join us in building this shared, prosperous future.”

That same prosperous future is what Benjamin Kalu is building back home. From sponsoring scholarships to passing landmark bills, from launching institutions to standing tall on international platforms, his journey reflects what the Renewed Hope Agenda truly means when driven by those who understand its depth.

The RHP launch in Bende wasn’t just an event. It was a signal. Something is shifting in the South-East. With leaders like Benjamin Kalu, that shift may just become the solid foundation for a truly renewed Nigeria.