“That Is Not An Ambulance” – Bende Constituents Fault Deputy Speaker Kalu’s Keke Ambulance Donation As Anyaso Delivers Fully Equipped Van

Constituents of Bende Federal Constituency have criticized the donation of a mini bus ambulance, popularly called “keke bus”, by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to Amaekpu Item in Bende Local Government Area.

The criticisms resurfaced after theLabour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, OFUJI, took delivery of a fully equipped ambulance for the constituency.

Residents who spoke to Dreamnews on Tuesday described the vehicle donated by the Deputy Speaker as too small to serve as a functional ambulance.

According to them, the mini bus/keke ambulance cannot accommodate a stretcher or convey emergency patients effectively, raising concerns about its usefulness in life-threatening situations.

“An ambulance is meant to save lives in emergencies. How can a keke bus that cannot even take a stretcher do that job? We need proper medical equipment, not optics,” one community member in Amaekpu said.

Others argued that while any donation is appreciated, the specification of the vehicle falls short of standard emergency healthcare needs in the constituency.

The criticism gained momentum following the announcement that Dr. Chima Anyaso had taken delivery of a fully equipped ambulance intended for deployment across Bende Federal Constituency.

The Ofuji Movement said the ambulance was procured to provide emergency medical services and improve response time for patients in the area.

“True leadership is measured by impact. This is a practical demonstration of commitment to the health and safety of Ndi Bende,” a statement from the movement noted.

Constituents compared both donations, with many saying Anyaso’s intervention better addresses the healthcare gaps in rural communities.

Community leaders and health stakeholders in Bende have since called on public office holders to prioritize standard medical facilities and equipment that meet emergency care requirements.

They urged that future donations be guided by the input of health professionals to ensure they are fit for purpose.

As of press time, the office of the Deputy Speaker had not issued an official response to the criticisms.

The development has further intensified political conversations in Bende ahead of the 2027 general elections, with healthcare delivery becoming a key talking point among constituents.