The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has canvassed additional ministerial slots for the South East.

Kalu, who spoke after he met behind closed doors with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, argued that the call was in line with the federal character principle enshrined in the 1999 constitution, as amended.

The Abia-born politician was alluding to the fact that the South East deserves similar treatment extended to the other five zones of the country that got additional ministerial slots.

While, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu over the role he played in his emergence as Deputy Speaker, Kalu noted: “The issue of national balancing, loyalty and cohesion in the country, with regards to federal character and the way appointments and projects are done, were also deliberated in the House to ensure that balancing increases national cohesion.

“We are also lobbying for more slots for the South East. You know, we are like Oliver Twist. Despite the odds and our low contributions to his emergency as President in the last election, he remembered us, including ensuring that I emerge as the Deputy Speaker. For these, the region is very grateful to the president.

“But we are also asking him to consider increasing the number of ministerial positions from the region. So, that is the summary of my engagement with the national chairman today.”

On filling the vacant seats meant for the South East in the National Working Committee (NWC), he assured that the matter would be resolved amicably.