Monarch Urges Kalu to Honor Zoning Agreement for 2027

Eze Joseph Anyanta, the Enyi Ezeji Ibinaukwu Igbere and a traditional ruler in Bende, Abia State, has called on Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to reconsider his bid for a third term in light of a zoning arrangement established in 2019. During Kalu's visit to Anyanta's palace, the monarch reminded him of the agreement made among political and traditional stakeholders, which included former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, to rotate the constituency seat.

Anyanta urged Kalu to allow the seat to return to Umunna in 2027 and to reconvene the stakeholders from the 2019 discussions to consider his ambitions. Bende stakeholder Emenike Okorie supported Anyanta's call, emphasizing the importance of respecting the zoning arrangement to foster trust and political stability.

Okorie argued that stepping aside after two terms would not diminish Kalu's achievements but could enhance his legacy as a leader prioritizing equity over personal ambition.