2027: Bende Constituents Fault Deputy Speaker Kalu Over Past Plenary Conduct, Rally Behind Anyaso

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, some constituents of Bende Federal Constituency have raised concerns over the conduct of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, during a plenary session he presided over months ago, describing it as a breach of parliamentary decorum.

The concerns were raised in a statement made available to the press, as calls grow for alternative representation in the green chamber.

The constituents accused the Deputy Speaker of ignoring “several legitimate calls for order by honorable colleagues” while presiding, a development they said attracted national condemnation at the time.

According to them, the conduct does not reflect the standard expected of a presiding officer who is required to be neutral and guided by House rules.

“By ignoring repeated calls for order, Rep. Benjamin undermined parliamentary decorum and the principle of collective deliberation that our democracy depends on,” the statement read.

They further described the act as “impatience, high-handedness, and tendencies of tyranny” that have no place in the House of Representatives, adding that such behavior “demoted both his party and his personal reputation.”

“Leadership is proven not by how loud one asserts authority, but by how well one listens and upholds the principles guiding his office,” they stated.

Amid the criticisms, the constituents announced their support for Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, describing him as “a more humane and tested philanthropist.”

They said Bende politics has moved beyond party affiliations and financial inducements, and expressed confidence that Anyaso’s partnership with Governor Alex Otti would yield greater benefits for Ndi Bende.

A respected stakeholder, Chief Uchechukwu Donatus Offia, was quoted as saying:

“Our politics in Bende have grown beyond party affiliations and petty financial inducements. Trust us, Anyaso is going there because we understand what his partnership with Dr. Alex Otti will yield for Ndi Bende.”

The group questioned the moral grounds for a third-term bid, arguing that “Bende deserves a representative who protects the institution, not those who reduce it to a display of personal will.”

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu represents Bende Federal Constituency and was re-elected in 2023. He currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

He is seeking a third term in 2027, a move that has generated both endorsements and opposition across different blocs in Bende in recent weeks.