By Joe Apu
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reassured the Item people in Abia State of his commitment to ensure that there is continued federal presence in the community.
Kalu made the pledge while responding to the leadership of the Ndi Item who paid him a courtesy visit in his country home on January 4.
According to the Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker, Kelvin C. Ugorji, the deputy speaker commended the Item community leadership and pleaded his support to them, noting that he likes dealing with Item people because they are consistent, starting from his Campaign Director General, Hon. Trump Emma Eke, who he said has remained consistent ever since he met him.
He also stated that Item people gave him the highest votes during the general election held last year.
Earlier, the Item Development Association (IDA) led by its President General, Chief Onwuka Orji with members of the Executive Committee noted that one of the objectives of the visit was to formally congratulate the Kalu on his successful election, haven being elected as Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly and to identify with his vision and giant developmental strides in Item, Bende Federal Constituency.
The Orji on behalf of the delegation noted that Bende has been a good example in the areas of good governance and the development of human capital and infrastructure, adding that the Deputy Speaker had sustained this through the selection of professionals in his cabinet, who Ndi Item believes he is making a difference in governance.
He also saluted the Deputy Speaker for initiating the Peace in Southeast Project, which was inaugurated on December 29, last year.
The visiting Item people made requests, which included a Federal Medical University, Agro Industry in Amaokwe Item, federal road from Amaokwe, Okai to Ebonyi State, more employment of Item children, which the Deputy Speaker consented.
Among the delegation to the Deputy Speaker were
The Item Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Onwuka Orji (President General), Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Chief Daniel Akwari, Chief Akwari Ukpabi, Ezinwa Kesandu, Joshua Uko, Chief Onwukwe O. Onwukwe, Chief Chukwu Ogwo (Jollee) and other members.