A traditional ruler in Bende, Abia State, Eze Joseph Anyanta, has urged the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to reconsider his reported ambition to seek a third term in the House in the interest of equity, political stability and peaceful rotation.

Anyanta, the Enyi Ezeji Ibinaukwu Igbere, made the appeal when Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, visited his palace.

The monarch reportedly reminded the Deputy Speaker of a zoning arrangement allegedly reached by political and traditional stakeholders in 2019 regarding the rotation of the constituency’s seat.

According to accounts of the meeting, Anyanta said he was personally present at the palace of Eze Patrick Ude when the understanding was reached.

He therefore urged Kalu to respect the arrangement by allowing the seat to return to Umunna in 2027.

The monarch also advised Kalu to reconvene the stakeholders who participated in the 2019 discussions and present his reported third-term ambition for their consideration.

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, was among the political leaders said to have participated in the earlier discussions.

The monarch’s intervention has reignited discussions around zoning, equity and political succession in Bende Federal Constituency as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Commenting on the development, a Bende stakeholder, Emenike Okorie, described the monarch’s intervention as a timely appeal for dialogue and political stability.

Okorie noted that Kalu had received significant support from the people of Bende, having secured the constituency’s mandate twice and subsequently risen to become Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The message from the elders should be seen as an opportunity for statesmanship. Ndi Bende have given Ben Kalu their mandate twice, and through that mandate he has risen to one of the highest legislative positions in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that honouring any established rotational arrangement would help strengthen trust among the different blocs in the constituency and demonstrate that political leadership should not be treated as the exclusive preserve of one individual or group.

“Eight years is a significant period for an elected representative to make an impact. If there was indeed an understanding that the seat should rotate after this period, the honourable thing is for all the stakeholders involved to meet again and determine the way forward in the interest of Bende,” Okorie said.

He called on Kalu to consider the monarch’s advice and begin consultations with political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who were reportedly part of the 2019 discussions.

Okorie said voluntarily stepping aside after two terms, if the reported zoning agreement is reaffirmed, would not diminish Kalu’s achievements but could further strengthen his legacy as a leader willing to put equity and unity ahead of personal ambition.

“Third term should not become a matter of entitlement. No individual should be bigger than the constituency, and no political ambition should be allowed to undermine the peace, unity and mutual understanding of the people,” he said.

He added that Bende has many qualified sons and daughters capable of representing the constituency, arguing that opening up the political space would create room for fresh leadership and new ideas.

According to him, the constituency needs representation that prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment, quality education, accessible healthcare, employment and enterprise opportunities, as well as sustainable infrastructure.

“Ben Kalu has had the privilege of serving Bende for two terms and has risen to the position of Deputy Speaker. He has every reason to be grateful to Ndi Bende for the confidence and opportunities their mandate has provided.

“The elders are now calling for equity and asking that Umunna be allowed its turn. The wise course is to listen, consult and, where the reported agreement is confirmed, lead a peaceful transition rather than allow the issue to generate unnecessary political tension,” Okorie said.

He stressed that the debate should remain peaceful and focused on issues, with the primary consideration being what would best promote unity, fairness and development across Bende Federal Constituency.

Okorie also said voluntarily respecting an agreed rotational arrangement, if confirmed by the relevant stakeholders, should not be interpreted as political defeat.

“Leadership is not only about attaining office. It is also about knowing when to make room for others. If Ben Kalu respects the zoning understanding and supports a peaceful return of the seat to Umunna in 2027, history may remember that decision not as defeat, but as statesmanship,” he said.