By Steve Oko
The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Dr Chima Anyaso, has called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to honour what he described as a binding power rotation agreement reached by stakeholders in Bende Local Government Area ahead of the 2019 general election.
Speaking at his Igbere country home during a special prayer session organised by clergymen in Bende ahead of the commencement of his campaigns, Anyaso said leaders of the two political blocs in the constituency had agreed that each bloc would occupy the House of Representatives seat for two terms (eight years) before ceding it to the other.
According to him, Kalu, who is serving his second term, should honour the understanding by allowing the seat to return to his (Anyaso’s) bloc in 2027.
The oil magnate and philanthropist declared that it was “his turn” to represent the constituency, expressing confidence that he possessed the competence and experience to offer quality representation.
“When I say it is my turn, I’m not asking anyone to hand it over to me. This is democracy. But my God and I have agreed that this is my turn, and I will do everything politically and democratically possible to ensure it is not taken away,” Anyaso declared.
He argued that the zoning arrangement had fostered fairness, equity and peaceful coexistence in the constituency, warning against attempts to jettison the agreement.
Corroborating his position, Chairman of the Bende Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, said he was among the signatories to the rotation pact and urged political actors to respect it in the interest of peace and justice.
The monarch endorsed Anyaso’s aspiration, saying the agreement was deliberately designed by Bende stakeholders to promote equity and harmonious coexistence.
Beyond the issue of rotation, Anyaso pledged transparent, accountable and people-centred representation if elected, insisting that he was seeking public office to serve rather than enrich himself.
“I am not going to the House of Representatives because I am hungry or because I want to steal money. I am going there because I have the passion for service, humanity and helping people. I will never take what belongs to the people and put it in my pocket,” he said.
He assured the clergy that every commitment he made before them would be honoured, stressing that he was making the promises before God and men who would hold him accountable.
Anyaso also expressed confidence that the 2027 elections in Abia would be peaceful and credible, assuring supporters that every lawful vote cast for him would count.
He further pledged not to seek to remain in office beyond the constitutionally allowed tenure, saying leadership should create opportunities for others to serve.
Highlighting his philanthropic record, Anyaso recalled establishing a free nursery and primary school in his community nearly two decades ago, where hundreds of children have continued to receive free education, adding that his commitment to community service long predated his political ambition.
He also said his businesses had been structured to run independently, enabling him to devote his full attention to legislative duties without compromising his private enterprises.
Earlier, the Bende I Sectional Leader of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. HenryKay Okoronkwo, urged politicians to seek God’s kingdom first, assuring that genuine service would attract divine favour.
Coordinator of the Bende Clergy Forum, Rev. Ibe Uduma, said the prayer session was initiated by the ministers to commit Anyaso’s aspiration to God before the commencement of campaigns.
He said the clergy would continue to pray for peace, credible elections and the overall development of Bende Federal Constituency.
