Benjamin Kalu Hosts Inaugural Nigerian Former Legislators Forum Summit in Enugu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, convened the inaugural summit of the Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF) in Enugu State, marking a significant step towards preserving and mobilizing the legislative wisdom that has long shaped the country’s democracy.

The summit which held on Saturday in Enugu State brought together distinguished former lawmakers from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Legislatures, creating a national platform to unite these visionaries whose enduring legacies continue to strengthen democratic institutions.

In his keynote address, Kalu emphasized that the legislature is more than a lawmaking body; it is a crucible of leadership. He highlighted that many national leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, began their political journeys in the legislature, underscoring the importance of tapping into the wealth of experience within the NFLF.

According to Honourable Kalu, the NFLF is founded on core values such as pension security for indigent retirees through a hybrid framework, the holistic welfare of its members socially, politically, and economically, and the institutionalization of expertise through a Knowledge Bureau and academic partnerships. It also advocates for the dignity of public service by promoting privileges like lifetime identification access and healthcare coverage for former legislators.

The summit was attended by notable figures, including former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State Senator Rochas Okorocha, and former Minister of Aviation Senator Stella Oduah.  Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State also graced the event, offering a warm reception and exceptional hospitality.

Kalu expressed his gratitude to these leaders and reaffirmed the NFLF’s commitment to transcending partisanship, championing critical reforms, strengthening national unity, and contributing meaningfully to policymaking and democratic advancement across Nigeria.

He stated that the launch of the NFLF in Enugu signifies a new era of collaboration among Nigeria’s former lawmakers, aiming to harness their collective experience for the betterment of the nation’s democratic processes.