Hon. Charles Akpuenika, A Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu says that the Abia State–born lawmaker has diligently ensured a House of Representatives that is responsive to Nigerians’ needs.
Akpuenika the Immediate Past Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, made the assertion in an interview noting that Kalu has such attribute as a major achievement in the celebration of his first legislative year as the House Deputy Speaker.
He said that Kalu has so far justified the contents of the House leadership’s acceptance speech on inauguration,, when it pledged to operate an assembly that the members and Nigerians would be proud of.
“He and the House Speaker promised a House that would be guided by Nigeria’s constitution and contribute in building the nation through reforms and innovations.
“The House leadership unveiled a legislative agenda tagged ‘the People’s House’ which outlined key reforms, aimed at addressing socio, economic, political challenges facing Nigeria.
“The innovations include the introduction of sectoral debates into the workings of the legislature.
“The Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government were summoned by the parliament, to update Nigerians on how they are carrying out their duties, challenges.and achievements,”,
Akpuenika noted that the major highlight of Kalu’s legislative finesse was heading the House Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) having pledged that work on the alteration will be completed in December 2025.
“Nigerians are happy that areas of the constitutional alteration process include state police, power devolution, fiscal federation, electoral reforms, judicial reforms among others.
“These are issues that affect the socio, economy and cultural existence of its components.
“Kalu has also sponsored about 100 important bills in the last one year such as South-East Development Commission Bill, State police Bill, Bill for an Act to Provide a Policy Framework for the Development of Bio-Fuels Energy Industry in Nigeria;among others”.
The legislative aide noted that Kalu’s interventions to check insecurity in the South East geo-political zone of the country is second to none.as.he has taken the lead in making aggrieved interests see reason and embrace peace.
“This is for the rapid economic and socio development of the zone as he initiated the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in December 2023,
“This noble and grandiose initiative unveiled by President Bola Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima, at Bende Local Government of Abia State, seeks the adoption of non-kinetic approaches to solve the insecurity menace in the zone.
“He also inaugurated a 7-man Peace Fund Committee to raise financial assistance for victims of insecurity in the zone,.
Akpuenika remarked that with one legislative year having rolled bye, the deputy speaker has set the tone for.more legislative accomplishments and prayed God to give him more wisdom.