Press Release From the Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
January 2, 2026
Deputy Speaker, Kalu, Rising Star of South East, Proud of His Achievements, Says Ex-Abia Governor, Ikpeazu
...Pledges Support for Top Federal Lawmaker
Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, has lauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, LL.D, CFR and his legislative imprints, describing him as a "rising star" from the South East.
Speaking when Kalu paid him a courtesy call in home country, Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia on Friday, the former Governor recalled his close relationship with Kalu, saying they navigated many challenges together including "Operation Python", COVID-19, and ENDSARS during his time as Governor.
Ikpeazu also expressed his gratitude and commitment to support Kalu's leadership.
He said that Kalu's rise to prominence at the national scene is divinely ordained, citing the example of David, the young shepherd boy who became king.
The former governor commended Kalu's maturity and candour in the House of Representatives, saying "You are a blessing to the House."
Ikpeazu called on Abians to be proud of Kalu's achievements and urged his supporters to be patient and prayerful as he navigates national politics.
"Talking about our leader, the Deputy Speaker, he has been my brother and my ally, all through thick and thin. We had too many rough patches during my time (as governor), we experienced operation python, we experienced COVID-1, we experienced ENDSARS, and all those rough patches, but through it all he stood by me without looking at anything in return, he was always there and for that I owe him a duty to support and encourage him. Beyond that, to some people leadership is entrusted upon men by divine forces, whether they like it or not; just like David, the little Shepard boy who became a king while he was in the forest, and like our people say “a good day is heralded by the rising sun.” Ben, I am proud of your accomplishments, I have no option but to give you praise and support you, not only because you are my in-law, but because you are a bright star.
"On one occasion, I tagged you as a rising star from the south east, many people may not like you, but that shouldn’t bother you.
"Continue to do that which is right, there’s no need to change from being humble. So, I first of all thank you for finding time, and to say that I am proud of your stewardship and the national level each time you speak, each time you preside. I am always lucky whenever you’re presiding. I turn on my TV and I see my brother doing it, you bring a lot of maturity and candour. It will not be out of place to say that you are a blessing to the House of Representatives.
"Every Abian should be proud of our exports to the House of Representatives, and we know that you will grow from strength to strength. You are touching the right buttons, and you are placing yourself properly, and for those of us who are willing and ready to follow, especially your lieutenants as I’m seeing them, I want to ask them to be patient with you as you progress, because politics at the national platform is not a child’s play and our leader is moving forward, so all we need to do is to continue to pray. So, as you navigate the politics of Nigeria at the hallowed chambers and then outside the hallowed chambers, we are praying for you constantly".
Ikpeazu further emphasized the importance of supporting leaders and recognizing God's plan for them.
He expressed confidence in Kalu's continued success, praying that 2026 would be a fruitful year for him.
"If we continue to treat our leaders with levity, leadership will continue to elude us. We are where we are in the south east today because we have failed to promote the Davids that God has raised within us. So, for those of us who have seen, we will continue to encourage you because God has raised you at a time like this, for the liberation of not only Abia State but also for the entire Igbo nation that seems to be in a quandary.
"It is not enough to be a part of the ruling party, but in being the ruling party also you must look at the surface and find where the current is flowing, because if you are unable to do so, nothing will happen.
"So, we must align with you and it is a huge responsibility. Continue to do what you have been doing, you are doing well, if you were not, I would’ve told you, but I pray that God in His infinite mercy will make 2026 more fruitful for each and every one of us in Jesus name", Ikpeazu said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State while congratulating Ikpeazu on his nomination as an ambassador said it is fitting to pay New Year homage to Ikpeazu as his in-law and one of the leaders of the State.
He also presented a copy of the brochure detailing his achievements in the parliament in the last two years as the Deputy Speaker.
"We congratulate you on becoming an ambassador-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We congratulate you and we wish you well and we pray for this household that this year will be better than last year, for you and your whole family", Kalu said.
Signed:~
Levinus Nwabughigu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria
