Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia), the spokesman for the House of Representatives, says if he becomes the deputy speaker of the 10th National Assembly will bring Igbo agitators to “the centre” and make South-East youths believe in the Nigerian project.

Mr Kalu said this in a statement on Wednesday.

He was on May 8 announced as the anointed deputy speaker of the 10th national assembly by the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The legislator said the youths on the street of the South-East agitating would see a fellow youth piloting the nation’s affairs as a deputy speaker, noting that “they will see us display excellence and that will encourage them to believe more in Nigeria which is what the younger south easterners are looking for.”

Mr Kalu added, “I can assure you that we are bringing South-East to the centre. We are going to use it and bring our brothers who are agitating to the centre, so our administration will be based on inclusiveness.”

The lawmaker stressed that contrary to insinuation, the coming 10th assembly would not be a rubber stamp, adding that the principle of separation of powers would be respected.

He explained that the legislative arm of government would not be confrontational as some would want but a partner to ensure the dividends of democracy are delivered across the country.

Mr Kalu, however, promised to revisit the gender bill in the 10th Assembly. 

(NAN)