Philip Nyam 
The traditional rulers in Igbere ancient kingdom, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have declared their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law.
The traditional rulers also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring the bill.
They made the commitments during the visit of the Deputy Speaker to Igbere Ward A and B on Wednesday evening.
Speaking on behalf of Igbere traditional rulers, Eze Roland Ekeoma lauded President Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, also commended Kalu for effectively representing the constituency.
A statement issued by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that the monarchs decorated the deputy speaker in special cultural attire and handed him a machete, signifying strength and encouragement.
The traditional rulers also offered prayers for greater political heights, emphasizing their unalloyed support for Kalu.
He also received “Pillar of Youth” award from the Presbyterian Young Peoples Association of Nigeria (PYPAN) of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Amaukwu Igbere Parish.
In his remarks, Kalu who donated some bags of rice and fertilisers said he was in Igbere to appreciate the people for supporting him in 2023 general elections.
The deputy speaker had earlier visited Igbere Ward A where he appreciated the people for their support.
Both visits to Ward A and B witnessed the defection of some notable politicians from the other political parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), among whom was the 2023 Abia House of Assembly candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) for Bende North State Constituency, Mr. Okey Iboko.
