Customs Agents Back Hon. Okezie for House of Reps Deputy Speakership

As the inauguration of the 10th national assembly draws nearer and with it’s attendant political horse trading over the leadership of the House of Representatives intensifies, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has declared it’s support for Honourable Benjamin Kalu, Member, House of Representatives for Bende federal constituency of Abia State.

ANLCA said it has aligned itself with the zoning formula of the National Working Committee(NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) released after consultation with President Bola Tinubu that settled for Hon. Kalu, as well qualified for the exalted position of the deputy speaker of the house.

In a release by the National President of ANLCA, Tony Uju Nwabunike, through the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Public Affairs to the President, Barrister Val Iwuchukwu, extols the virtue of Hon Kalu.

Emphasising that it’s an undisputed fact that Hon Kalu is highly qualified for the post being canvassed, pronounced him a round peg in a round hole.

According to the ANLCA boss, “Benjamin Kalu was elected to represent the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State in the 2019 General Elections and sworn into office on the 11th of June 2019. He was re-elected to the same office in the 2023 General Election. He is currently the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives at the Nigeria National Assembly as the House Committee Chairman Media and Public Affairs.
“His wealth of experience has been resourceful to the major committees of the house where he serves as a member; Defence, Airforce, Navy, National Security and Intelligence, Agricultural Services, Health Institutions and Health Services, Basic Education, Federal Judiciary, Petroleum Upstream, Climate Change, Federal Character, Pensions and other Ad-hoc committees like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) etc.

“He sat in different stakeholders meeting where strategic decisions were taken, why such decisions were taken and its impact in the overall interest of the nation sank well with him and it has become unforgettable experience.
“It is trite to say that in the 9th Assembly, he acquired matchless experience which makes him the best man (from the South East) for the job.

“He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who has been involved in series of complex international business structuring from start-up, negotiation, pre and post incorporation stages. He has been engaged in international trade, import and export financing. He has handled series of financing deals for marine vessels purchases and documentation which involved syndication with multilateral finance institutions and local banks.
“Before settling down for the practice of law, Benjamin has built international businesses from start-up to international recognition. His communication skills within the public and private sector acquired through years of experience in both sectors is an advantage to the value he will create as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“His experience in government and governmental affairs will assist him in upholding the interdependence of the arms of the government while upholding most importantly the independence of the Legislature” the statement concluded.

It will be recalled that on May 8, 2023, APC leadership released the zoning arrangement as follows: Senate President – (South South) Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Deputy Senate President – (North West) Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano).

Speaker, House of Representatives – (North West) Hon Bass Tajudeen (Kaduna); Deputy Speaker – (South East) Hon Ben Kalu (Abia) as a formula to power equation.