Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the need for the South East region to align decisively with the centre.
He made the call while unveiling the Renewed Hope Partners, RHP, a multipurpose vehicle aimed at realising President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in Umuahia, on Thursday.
Kalu said RHP will play a crucial role in translating the national achievements of 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 from the present government.
He said: “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.
“My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The president’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youths and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring that the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration.
“By embedding these structures, strategies and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandate, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits, but also drives the continuity of this administration.”
To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils”.
The deputy speaker said 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 a GDP growth rate of 3.4% in 2024.
Kalu added that government has recorded a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received, representing a 61.1% year-on-year increase.
He also recalled the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports.
He said: “In 2024, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received. This substantial growth, exceeding $4.22 billion through International Money Transfer Operators between January and October, represents a 61.1% year-on-year increase.
“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 President Tinubu’s 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.”
