The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is not to blame for Nigeria’s current economic crisis.
On Sunday, the congressman celebrated his 53rd birthday by honouring orphans, widows, those with disabilities, and the elderly in his Bende, Abia State, country house.
Fielding questions from journalists during the massively attended event, the Deputy Speaker emphasised that Nigeria’s current economic woes are the result of previous administrations’ blunders, which President Tinubu is working hard to correct.
“The hardship we are passing through was not caused by this man. It’s a piled-up case of previous administrations and how they mismanaged one or two things.”
Kalu asked Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu as he works to fix the difficulties he inherited, noting that his initiatives are starting to show results.
“We cannot continue to live in lies, thinking that all is well. Tinubu wants to clean up the place so that we can have a genuine livelihood that is sustainable. Let’s keep supporting and encouraging him.”
He anticipated a brighter future for the country following the current volatility, asking Nigerians not to give up and to have faith in the country’s current leadership.
On why he chose to celebrate his birthday with the poor, the Deputy Speaker stated that life is all about offering care and service to humanity and that he feels fulfilled by putting smiles on people’s faces, particularly the downtrodden.
”I can afford to be in Abuja and celebrate with the rich, but for what purpose is that when we still have the poor, the widows, the blind, and orphans around us?
”These classes of people are hardly remembered or cared for. Nobody tells them: I love you; I care for you.
“So, I decided to give them hope. They are here in their numbers, and we are all going to eat from the same pot today, and afterwards, I will give them something to take home.”
The Deputy Speaker said it was unfair to live in wealth or hoard resources while others suffered in hardship.
“What is the essence of keeping things in the warehouse when there is hunger on the land? What is the essence of keeping things until election periods?
“I’m not interested in the political party or faith. I’m interested in the colour of humanity, which is: if you are up, extend your hands to those who are down.
“Let’s spread love, peace, and unity, showing others that we care irrespective of their background or political affiliation.”
When asked why certain major leaders from other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, were defecting to his All Progressives Congress (APC), the Deputy Speaker attributed the development to Tinubu’s ‘South East friendly disposition’.
“The product we are selling in the current administration of President Tinubu is the reason. If you are blind, are you also deaf to hear that this man has good plans for the Southeast region?
“He is doing well, and that is what is attracting a lot of people to him. He helped one of their sons become the number six citizen in the country. And their son is doing well.
“Tinubu helped in my emergence by ensuring that the plan against the South East producing the Deputy Speaker did not work. He insisted that equity and fairness must prevail. He ensured balance in the distribution of positions in the country.
“Mr. President has endeared himself in the hearts of Abians, and they are beginning to see that this is where the renewed hope is. That’s why they are leaving their parties.
“It’s not only the PDP; even members of the Labour Party are joining the APC. We are pushing and targeting other political parties to join the mainstream political party.
“We expect a lot more people to come on board the APC ship. I can assure you that APC will take Abia State.”.
