The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has warned the people of the southeastern part of the country, known as Ndigbo, to shun regional politics and join the ruling All Progressives Congress, before it is too late.
Kalu who stated this while speaking during an interview on Flo 94.9 FM Umuahia, claimed that he took bullets for President Bola Tinubu in the South East, before and during the presidential polls.
According to the APC lawmaker, it is unwise for the South East to continue operating from a minority position when it should align with the majority party.
Hon Kalu however urged politicians from the South Eastern zone, who belong to the opposition parties to quickly make a wise decision by joining the APC, expressing the belief that there was more room for them in the ruling party.
Kalu noted that it is a source of concern that the Southeast states are controlled by four different parties, causing their voices to be diminished when making demands.
The deputy speaker maintained that the Southeast should leave regional politicking and focus on national politics, noting that being part of the party in control of the federal purse would provide more opportunities for lobbying.
“APC will be stronger now in Abia and the South East than before.
“This is the time for those sitting on the fence to hop in before it becomes late. Because we are bringing the type of leadership that will recognise your stake,” Kalu said.
“It is better for you to be in a party that has control of the federal purse because that way, we can lobby better. When we go with the splinter group, our voices are low.
“We must leave regional politicking and go national politicking. If we do more for APC, APC will do more for Ndigbo,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Kalu who also referred to his relationship with Abia State Governor, stated that he would not engage in a fight with the governor but would support the development of the State, even though they belong to different political parties.
He however pledged to support any initiatives that could benefit Bende, Abia State, the Southeast, and the entire nation.
He further bemoaned the low vote figure APC got in the South East during the last presidential election, while admonishing the Ndigbo against repeating the same political miscalculation in subsequent elections.
He however commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in renewing Nigerians’ hope.
