23rd August, 2023
By EricJames Ochigbo
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has asked the flag bearer of Labour Party in the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia, Mr Frank Ifeanyi Chinasa, to join him in the tasks of pushing good legislations for the good of the country.
Kalu made the offer the suit filed by Chinasa to nullify his victory was dismissed by tribunal.
The Labour Party candidate had petitioned the tribunal seeking the nullification of Kalu’s election on the account of alleged inconsistency in his name.
While delivering judgement on the matter, National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, ruled in favour of Kalu and subsequently awarded a cost to the petitioner for wasting the time of the court in a frivolous suit.
The tribunal ruled that it was the right of the first respondent, (Kalu) to change his name as no person or group of persons has the monopoly of any name while striking out the case for lacking in merit.
While commending the judgment of the tribunal, Kalu, said he had been vindicated, according to a statement by Deputy Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu.
“I have never doubted the ability of the judiciary at any level to do justice to issues. My confidence in them has always been unwavering.
“It has, once again, vindicated me on this matter and also upheld my mandate as the elected representative of the people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia. I am grateful,” Kalu said.
Kalu expressed immense gratitude to the judiciary for recognising that he followed due process and other extant laws to validate his name.
The lawmaker thanked the people of Bende Federal Constituency on whose mandate he stands elected as member of the House of Representatives.
The deputy speaker promised not to take the people’s mandate and the demands of his current office for granted.
He, however, called on his “political detractors”to shun frivolities, accept his rights under the extant laws, embrace the will of God and the verdict of the tribunal as well as that of the people of Bende.
(NAN)