The Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mrs. Maureen Ashara, has stated that the dedication, support, and loyalty of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, will positively impact the Igbo people.

In an interview with the media, she highlighted that the Southeast has already begun to reap the benefits of the Deputy Speaker’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She remarked, “I see it as a sign of maturity and understanding on the part of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who is currently the highest political office holder from the Southeast. Aggressive politics yields no benefits. To achieve our goals, the Southeast must align itself with the center, and that is exactly what the Deputy Speaker is doing. His commitment to the president has already brought significant advantages to the region.

“For instance, the president’s approval of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) is partly due to the Deputy Speaker’s pivotal role in its passage in the National Assembly. Moreover, his unopposed emergence as Deputy Speaker last year is a testament to God’s hand in his journey and his vision for achieving great things for the Igbo people. One of his remarkable initiatives is the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), which he pioneered.

“Benjamin Kalu recognized that development cannot thrive without peace. He understood that insecurity and the sit-at-home directive were hampering progress in the Southeast. Through PISE-P, he aims to promote non-violent approaches to addressing security challenges and foster reconciliation among affected communities and individuals. This is a commendable effort, and I’m delighted that he is working with his colleagues, Southeast legislators, governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other leaders to restore peace to the region. I urge all sons and daughters of Igbo extraction to support this project because without peace, there can be no development. Kudos to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his vision for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast.”

Mrs. Ashara also addressed the region’s political challenges, saying, “The lack of federal presence in the Southeast regarding infrastructure and development is largely due to our political stance. Being in opposition often means being excluded from decision-making processes. If we are absent where resources are allocated, we cannot expect to receive equal treatment.

“Instead of blaming the federal government, we need to rethink our voting patterns. Our consistent opposition has often worked against us. It is time to assess whether our electoral choices have truly benefited us. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. The time has come for us to adopt a strategy that aligns us with the center, ensuring that we receive our fair share of developmental projects.”

On Benjamin Kalu’s political future, she added, “I strongly believe he will go far. He possesses the qualities needed for success—age, intelligence, humility, and charisma. With God’s hand upon him, as evidenced by his unopposed emergence as Deputy Speaker, nothing can stop him from rising to the pinnacle of Nigerian politics.

“One of his notable achievements is facilitating the South East Development Commission, a project set to transform thousands of lives in the Southeast. This reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the people. Benjamin Kalu’s visionary leadership and inclusive approach make him a beacon of hope for the Southeast and beyond.”