Kalu urges Igbo leaders to unite, take active role in Nigerian politics
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Igbo elders, political leaders and stakeholders to unite and take a more active role in Nigeria’s politics, warning that disunity has weakened the region’s political influence.
Kalu made the call on Friday at the South East Stakeholders’ Convergence, also known as the South East Elders and Stakeholders Meeting, held at the Imo State Government House in Owerri to discuss unity, peace and development in Igbo land.
Addressing the gathering chaired by former Imo State Military Governor and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Nwachukwu, the deputy speaker said unity was essential to the region’s progress, adding that peace could only thrive when leaders worked together.
“Unity is strength. We will achieve more when we are united. The need for unity cannot be overemphasized. Peace leads to the development of communities,” he said.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, commended the elders for coming together to discuss the future of the South-East, describing their participation as an expression of patriotism and commitment to the region’s development. He likened leadership to a relay race, saying the younger generation was encouraged by their example.
He expressed concern that the South-East had not fully translated its population and political strength into influence at the national level, partly because many Igbo people were scattered across other parts of the country.
The deputy speaker urged the people to abandon the post-civil war mindset of staying away from national politics and focusing solely on developing their communities, insisting that active participation in Nigeria’s political process was necessary to influence decisions affecting the region.
The meeting was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, former Federal University of Technology, Owerri Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti, and other political, traditional, religious, business and community leaders from the five South-East states.
