Deputy Speaker Kalu demands additional ministerial slots for South east

Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has proposed new ministerial positions for the South East.

Kalu, who stated after meeting behind closed doors with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman in Abuja, contended that the call was consistent with the federal character principle established in the 1999 constitution, as amended.

The Abia-born lawmaker was referring to the fact that the South East was due the same priority as the other five zones of the country, which have received additional ministry posts.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for his involvement in his election as Deputy Speaker, Kalu said: “The issue of national balancing, loyalty and cohesion in the country, with regards to federal character and the way appointments and projects are done, were also deliberated in the House to ensure that balancing increases national cohesion.

“We are also lobbying for more slots for the South East. You know, we are like Oliver Twist. Despite the odds and our low contributions to his emergency as President in the last election, he remembered us, including ensuring that I emerge as the Deputy Speaker. For these, the region is very grateful to the president.

“But we are also asking him to consider increasing the number of ministerial positions from the region. So, that is the summary of my engagement with the national chairman today.”

He pledged that the issue of filling the South East’s vacant seats on the National Working Committee (NWC) will be settled peacefully.