By Paul Effiong
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has called on the federal government to construct a pipeline in the South East region, as well as dredge Onitsha River.
He made the call while unveiling Renewed Hope Partners, RHP, a multipurpose vehicle aimed at realising President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in Umuahia, Abia State, yesterday.
The deputy speaker emphasized the need for the South East to align decisively with the centre in order to reap more development.
Kalu said RHP will play a crucial role in translating the national achievements of the President Tinubu’s administration into regional gains.
The deputy speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, highlighted an array of legacies that the president has recorded in the South East particularly and Nigeria at large in the last two years, assuring the people of more dividends of democracy.
According to him, “As we approach the midpoint of President Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre. The Renewed Hope Partners is a formidable vehicle that is demonstrating our seriousness for this cause by translating the national achievements of the president into regional gains, and by delivering the majority of votes in the South East geopolitical zone for our dear president in 2027. “
To achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in local government areas linked to the South East Development Commission, SEDC.
He stated that the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration include attracting proposed investments worth $50.8 billion, doubling aggregate national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion in H1 2024, and achieving Grosd Domestic Product, GDP, growth rate of 3.4 percent in 2024.
Kalu added that government has recorded significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received, representing 61.1 percent year-on-year increase.
He, however, recalled the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports.
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“President Tinubu has so far attracted proposed investments worth $50.8 billion into the country, according to ongoing compilation by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment—evidence that investors trust his vision.
“The Compressed Natural Gas initiative will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports. One million low-cost conversion kits are currently being distributed.”
Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.
He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission, established in July 2024, with a constituted board.
“President Tinubu has recommitted to finishing the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor. Once operational, it will link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput”.
