Benjamin Kalu: Deft Nigerian Legislator, Social Engineer

His legislative interests traverse national development, women/youth inclusion and empowerment – and project implementation. But these simply scratch the philosophical and pragmatic essence of the unassuming Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives.

Kalu brings critical skill sets to his crucial responsibilities to the nation’s House of Representatives to reposition his immediate constituency, region and Nigeria at large and to optimize the core democratic advantages the nation’s federal legislature confers.

Afterall, it’s a given that powerful visions attract ideas, people and other relevant resources. They create the momentum and will to actualize changes. They inspire individuals, institutions to commit, to persist and to give their best.

These are Kalu’s credentials and critical democratic stakeholders expect him to leverage them alongside his impeccable professionalism, discipline and persistence to change the traditional narrative of the legislation in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. Needless to say that he is already doing this.

From what is obviously known, Kalu rejects staying tamely at the end of received policy prescriptions. He covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive legislative engagement with stake-holders, policy makers and sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in much of his career trajectory. He is defined by his sheer kinetic energy and revels in pushing new frontiers.

Indisputably a refined, highly focused legislator and patriot, Kalu embodies the Nigerian spirit. With a sterling career as an international businessman and legal practitioner, Kalu’s audacious and unassailable record in Nigerian politics must have propelled his colleagues to elect him to become the 6th highest political office in the nation, emerging as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives in June 2023. Since then, he has continued to serve the people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, his immediate legislative zone and, of course, the nation at large.

Not surprisingly, these ingrained attributes have come to define his sterling legislative sagacity. As one of the key leaders of the 10th House of Representatives, Kalu wears the dual hats of Chairman, House Committees of the Whole and on Constitution Review. Cut to the bone, Kalu has added considerable value to federal legislation and national development in several impactful ways – through proactive legislative processes, manpower development, project implementations, and project management. He currently serves as chairman of the Reps Constitution Review and Amendment Committee which is responsible for reviewing and amending the Nigerian Constitution. Kalu is indisputably a key legislative force through adroit engagement with his peers in the initiation and eventual passage of the milestone Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law.

Not many will easily forget that Kalu sponsored the bill which was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and later signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Throughout the process, Kalu was a strong advocate for the bill, emphasizing its importance for the development and rehabilitation of the Southeast region.

As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu played a key role in guiding the bill through the legislative process, closely engaging with other lawmakers from the Southeast region to ensure the bill’s passage. Being a statesman, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill into law, demonstrating his support for the President’s vision for the region’s development.

The SEDC law is expected to play a crucial role in the reconciliation and reintegration of the South East region, which has been affected by decades of neglect and unrest. The Commission will focus on promoting socio-economic development in the region by addressing infrastructure deficits, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for the people.

The SEDC will be responsible for revitalizing the social infrastructures such as roads, schools and hospitals damaged in the region as a result of the effects of the destructive 1967-70 civil war. It will also focus on creating jobs and promoting employment in the region, particularly in the areas of agriculture, industrialization, and housing and urban development.

Very importantly, the commission will work to address poverty and inequality in the region by promoting economic growth and development, and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably among all sections of the population. It will also work to promote peace and stability in the region by addressing the underlying causes of unrest and conflict, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation among all stakeholders.

In birthing this new milestone reality in the challenged Southeast zone, Kalu demonstrated and leveraged uncommon expertise, commitment, capacity and dedication. Further, as a dedicated and focused federal legislator since 2019, he has played a vital role in shaping policies and implementing projects that contribute to national development.

Being the chairman of the Reps Constitution Review Committee is no less a very loaded responsibility. It could be recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) was established pursuant to Section 62 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and Order 18 (9) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives. It is a special committee charged with the following responsibilities: Recommending the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other Acts that require alteration in accordance with sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution; Receiving and considering proposals (bills) for alteration of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) referred to it by the House; Creating a forum for relevant stakeholders and members of the public to make inputs to the Constitution review process with a view to enacting laws that address the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people; Building a robust collaborative synergy with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and with the 36 States Houses of Assembly whose resolutions are part of the legislative journey of the constitution review process; and Liaising with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, multi-lateral and supranational agencies and bodies to achieve a wholesome amendment to the Nigerian constitution.

Kalu has also proposed and supported various bills and motions, including the Acts Authentication Act and the Nigerian Communications Act and more. His legislative exertions have not gone unnoticed by an appreciative society.

Beyond the legislative chambers, Kalu launched the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) in an effort to restore the region to its once illustrious past and illuminating glory. The project champions a non-kinetic approach to resolving the region’s insecurity issues. Significantly, this has made a difference, notwithstanding that more needs to be done.

Kalu is a member of the African Union Pan African Parliament; Member of the ECOWAS Parliament; Member of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU), Fellow of OSHAssociation United Kingdom; Fellow of the Chartered Institute of International Arbitrators (CIARB UK); Member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA); and Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Managers (F.Inst.AM).

Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s political journey reflects his dedication to public service and sustainable development. As the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, he is poised to play a crucial role in delivering on the legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly through his leadership of the Constitution Review Committee. His focus on youth empowerment, gender equity in the political space, infrastructural development, economic diversification, and unity makes him a valuable asset in Nigeria’s quest for progress and stability.

His story is one of resilience, vision, and an unflinching commitment to the betterment of his constituency and Nigeria as a whole. As Hon. Benjamin Kalu continues to rise through the ranks of Nigeria’s political hierarchy, he remains a beacon of hope for many who believe in the transformative power of good governance.