Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ben Kalu has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the establishment of a seaport in the South East to support commercial activities in the region.
Kalu appealed on Friday during a reception held at Enyimba International Stadium in Abia State, where President Tinubu was honored following the inauguration of several state projects.
Expressing gratitude for federal government initiatives in Abia and across the South East, Kalu emphasized the urgent need for improved infrastructure. He noted that residents of the South East are predominantly traders who would benefit significantly from direct access to a seaport facility.
The Deputy Speaker also raised concerns about recent demolitions in Lagos State that have affected Igbo property owners. He described the situation as distressing, particularly given current economic challenges, and requested presidential intervention.
Kalu appealed to the president to engage with the Lagos State governor to allow affected residents whose properties remain intact to complete necessary documentation and avoid further losses. He advocated for dialogue and administrative solutions rather than continued demolitions.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between government levels, Kalu stressed that effective governance requires partnership between federal and state authorities.
Despite his affiliation with the All Progressives Congress, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s administration. He accompanied the governor throughout the day to inspect completed projects across the state and commended the developmental work underway.
While praising the governor’s achievements, Kalu urged continued expansion of infrastructure projects to meet the state’s growing needs.
He thanked President Tinubu for federal support toward projects in Abia and encouraged the state’s information commissioner and local media to properly acknowledge the president’s contributions. According to Kalu, such recognition would encourage continued federal investment in the South East region.
