Renewed Hope Partners Launched For PBAT’s 2nd Term- Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the need for the South East region of the country to align decisively with the centre.

He made the call
in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State while unveiling the Renewed Hope Partners, RHP, a multipurpose vehicle aimed at realizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Kalu said that RHP will play a crucial role in translating the national achievements of the President Tinubu administration into regional gains.

The Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency of the State highlighted an array of legacies the President has recorded in the South East particularly and Nigeria at large in the last two years, assuring the people of more dividends of democracy from the present government.

“My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The President’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youths, and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration. By embedding these structures, strategies, and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandates, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits from but also drives the continuity of this administration.”

To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to South East Development Commission (SEDC) outreach teams to turn policy wins into grassroots programs.

The Deputy Speaker said that the achievements of the President Tinubu’s administration included, attracting proposed investments worth $50.8 billion, doubling aggregate national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion in H1 2024, and achieving a GDP growth rate of 3.4% in 2024.

Kalu added that the government has recorded a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received, representing a 61.1% year-on-year increase.

The Deputy Speaker also noted that the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports.

Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade output.

He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), established in July 2024, with a constituted board and executive management team.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted several other initiatives, including the construction of housing units, fertilizer distribution, and mechanized equipment for farmers.

Kalu appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize several high-impact interventions, including constructing key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East, supporting capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, and dredging and rehabilitating the Onitsha River.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Blessing Nyor