The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to the people of the South-East to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections, stressing that Tinubu’s administration has initiated critical projects and interventions to uplift the region.
Speaking over the weekend at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners’ office complex in Umuahia, Abia State, Kalu highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to the South-East through initiatives like the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the prioritization of long-abandoned projects, such as the Eastern railway corridor.
Kalu emphasized that the completion of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway line, which will connect Aba and Onitsha to northern markets, is set to unlock over ₦50 billion in annual trade activities. He urged the South-East electorate to recognize these efforts by massively supporting Tinubu in the next general elections to attract even greater development.
The Deputy Speaker praised Tinubu’s broader economic achievements, noting significant increases in national revenue — over ₦9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 — thanks to reforms that improved revenue collection and reduced leakage without burdening citizens.
He further commended the administration for reducing Nigeria’s debt servicing ratio from 97% to 68% within 13 months and clearing $7 billion in foreign exchange obligations, thus freeing resources for critical development.
Highlighting foreign investment gains, Kalu said Tinubu’s leadership has attracted proposed investments worth $50.8 billion. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.4% in 2024, up from 2.7% in 2023, with the final quarter posting a 3.84% growth rate — the highest in three years.
On the agricultural front, he noted the arrival of fertilizers and machinery from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil, and the suspension of tariffs on key staples such as rice, maize, and wheat, which are helping boost food production.
Kalu urged South-East voters to assess politicians based on tangible results, reminding state governors that their stewardship would be closely scrutinized based on the funds they receive.
He concluded by stressing that a united show of support for President Tinubu in 2027 would significantly enhance the South-East’s chances of addressing longstanding developmental challenges.
