Bende – Umunna stakeholders have called on the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Chima Anyaso, to step down for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
They said they cannot substitute a prolific striker with outstanding goal records with a less experienced striker.
At a solidarity match held on Tuesday in Bende LGA of Abia State, comprising stakeholders from villages in the Umunna bloc, the stakeholders said the purported zoning arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat is false and does not exist anywhere.
The stakeholders insisted that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has performed creditably and surpassed the records held by those who represented the constituency before him. They emphasised that in education, infrastructure, and health, among others, the Deputy Speaker stands tall.
In his submission, the APC candidate for Bende North State Constituency, Orji Udeagha, said Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu stands tall and is in a better position to complete another term in the House of Representatives.
According to him, “We have seen and heard, and we cannot trade our gold for ashes,” describing Benjamin Kalu as the pride of Bende people. He said Bende people have always understood themselves from inception, which was why when Umunna produced a candidate, Ikwuishi would produce the next.
He said, unfortunately, his people in Umunna held the seat for four tenures, totaling 16 years — through Hon. Mba Aja for 4 years, and Hon. Nnenna Ukeje who did 3 tenures.
Udeagha described as unfortunate the calls by some people for power to return to Umunna, Bende, after holding the seat for 16 uninterrupted years. He emphasised that Bende-Ikwuisii should be allowed to complete their 16 years to be at par, noting that Benjamin Kalu has only done two tenures.
He argued that his position is based on the fact that under Kalu’s representation, Bende has witnessed impactful representation in education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and power supply, among others. He called on his Umunna brothers to allow Ben Kalu to complete his tenure.
Also speaking, John Okezie from Uzuakoli, said they cannot vote for a “show boy.” He called on Anyaso to step down. He cited examples from other states, saying no one runs against principal officers who are seeking re-election. He added that Ben Kalu has the backing of Bende people because he has impacted infrastructure, education, and health, among others.
The duo of Uwakwe Benson and Chief Okezie Usim wondered where the zoning arrangement came from, pointing out that Benjamin Kalu is irreplaceable as he has delivered real dividends of democracy to the people of Bende.
They said, “Can there be a change in a winning team? Why should anyone think of changing a winning horse?”
Contributing, Dr. Kalu Pascal from Itumbuzo, said there was no agreement on zoning the Bende Federal Constituency seat for two years. He stated that Bende people do not fight among themselves, and noted that “Bende people cannot substitute a scoring striker for a non-performing striker. Benjamin Kalu has done well since 2019. Chima Anyaso cannot contest now. I will contest before him, so he should wait.”
On her part, APC Women Leader, Ijeoma Anyaele, aligned with the re-election of Hon. Benjamin Kalu. She said he has surpassed the records held by other representatives of the constituency, emphasising that their children are getting better jobs and infrastructure is top-notch, among other achievements.
