Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says President Bola Tinubu is the only commander-in-chief to remember the Igbo ethnic group since the civil war.

 

Kalu spoke on Saturday during an empowerment programme organised by Chris Nkwonta, lawmaker representing Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency.

 

The event, held in Ndoki, Ukwa east LGA of the state, reportedly saw over 3,000 members from various political parties defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Kalu said the defection is a reflection of the people’s gratitude to Tinubu who is committed to the development of Ndigbo, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

 

The deputy speaker said the commission will meet the infrastructure needs of the region.

 

“The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo,” Kalu said.

 

Yakubu Gowon, former military ruler, launched the three Rs programme — reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration — to heal and rebuild the country after the civil war which lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 13, 1970.

 

Kalu said the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of the south-east has just started with the establishment of the SEDC.

 

“He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt,” the deputy speaker added.

 

“As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanise the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.

 

“For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing.

 

“When these calibre of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others.”