Adedayo Akinwale writes that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Ben Kalu, has penchant for promoting regional agenda since his emergence over a year ago. On June 13, 2023, the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated after the zoning arrangement which saw the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau as Deputy Senate President; while Hon. Tajudeen Abass emerged as Speaker and Hon.
Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker. But for divine providence, if the votes garnered by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the six geo-political zones was anything to go by, the South east would not have been considered for the position of the Presiding officer in the 10th House. However, by virtue of zoning and against all odds, Kalu, who was elected for the second time in the legislative arm emerged as the Deputy Speaker.
By its rule, the Deputy Speaker is the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole. The Deputy Speaker replaces the Speaker in his or her absence. Every action of the Deputy Speaker when acting in the Speaker’s place has the same effect and validity as if the Speaker had acted.
No one ever doubts the competence and capacity of the Deputy Speaker, even his political adversaries doff hat for him. Despite being a second term legislator in the House, he is well grounded in the legislative processes. The Bende-born lawmaker is also a delight to watch whenever he presides over the plenary.
He’s a beauty to watch. Never.
