Appraising Ben Kalu’s Relentless Efforts at the Pan-African Parliament

Opinion by Hon. Philip Agbese 

In the modern political arena of the African continent, few figures have exemplified the qualities of visionary leadership and diplomatic tact as Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and head of Nigeria’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). His tenure has been marked by a relentless drive to strengthen cooperation among African nations, propel the PAP’s objectives, and foster the emergence of a new generation of African leaders. Through his work, Ben Kalu has embodied the core values of African unity, cooperation, and progress while also positioning the PAP as a vehicle for true continental integration.

Established on 18 March 2004, the Pan-African Parliament as one of the African Union’s nine organs, stands as a symbolic and practical forum for unifying Africa’s disparate nations around common goals. Based in Midrand, South Africa, the PAP serves as a platform for debate, decision-making, and policy formulation aimed at addressing the continent’s myriad socio-economic challenges. Despite its initial advisory mandate, the institution aspires to gain full legislative powers, becoming a significant voice in promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance. The vision behind PAP is profound: to empower Africans, including grassroots organizations, to participate in shaping Africa’s future and addressing its most pressing problems.

While some argue that Ben Kalu isn’t the sole deputy speaker the Southeast region has produced, his exceptional track record unequivocally positions him as the most results-driven and impactful Number 7 Nigerian leader since the inception of the Fourth Republic which began in 1999, being a mark of a significant shift for Nigeria, in transitioning from military rule to democratic governance. In this context, Ben Kalu’s leadership stands out, demonstrating a unique blend of vision, expertise, and dedication. His outstanding performance and significant contributions have undoubtedly set him apart from his predecessors. By leveraging his expertise and diplomatic prowess, Kalu has consistently advanced the interests of the Southeast region and Nigeria as a whole.

It is against this backdrop that Kalu’s contributions become particularly remarkable. His diplomatic skills, intellectual prowess, and firm commitment to PAP’s goals have helped bridge divides between member states, enabling a greater degree of knowledge-sharing and policy alignment. Under his leadership, PAP has seen increased collaboration among its members, vital in an era where Africa must present a united front to tackle global challenges such as economic inequality, political instability, and climate change.

Enhancing Diplomatic Collaboration

Kalu’s tenure as the leader of the Nigerian delegation has witnessed a palpable enhancement in diplomatic collaboration within the PAP. One of the most critical roles of PAP is to act as a forum for discussions on common problems, and here, Kalu’s leadership has been very pivotal. His ability to foster meaningful dialogue among member states is not merely a reflection of his position but evidence to his diplomatic skill and his deep understanding of the Pan-African cause.

Kalu has made it a priority to emphasize the importance of African unity. By encouraging member states to share experiences, particularly in areas such as governance, human rights, and economic development, he has helped create a culture of openness and shared learning within the institution. It is under this framework that PAP’s goals to evolve into a legislative body and to promote democracy and human rights are advanced.

Moreover, Kalu’s diplomatic finesse has proven instrumental in fostering peace and security within the continent. The West African sub-region, in particular, has faced persistent challenges related to political instability, terrorism, and economic disparity. In this context, Kalu’s efforts to galvanize cooperation among West African PAP members have been critical. His interventions, which emphasize collaboration over confrontation, have brought a renewed sense of hope to the region.

Inspiring a New Generation of African Leaders

Beyond just diplomacy, Kalu’s leadership has also been a source of inspiration for a new generation of African leaders. In a continent where leadership often faces scrutiny due to governance issues and corruption, Kalu’s exemplary record stands out. His firm commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and democracy offers a model for aspiring leaders, both within and outside of Nigeria and has remained true and unchanged in the face of thorough scrutiny and deep probing.

Kalu’s journey to political prominence, marked by intellectual rigor and parliamentary acumen, sends a powerful message: that African politics need not be dominated by populism or divisive rhetoric, but by leaders capable of tackling complex policy issues with insight and integrity. His achievements thus far signal a promising shift toward a more enlightened and thoughtful brand of African leadership, one which values collaboration, unity, and long-term developmental goals.

This is not to say that the road ahead for PAP and African leaders is devoid of challenges. Indeed, the very nature of continental politics, with its multiplicity of interests, ethnicities, and languages, means that unity is often elusive. However, Kalu’s leadership has proven that, through patient negotiation and a shared sense of purpose, African nations can come together to solve their problems. His efforts have shown that PAP has the potential to not only address the continent’s challenges but to do so in a way that empowers Africans from the grassroots up.

PAP’s Legislative Ambitions and Kalu’s Contributions

One of the most significant aspects of PAP’s mandate is its ambition to evolve into a fully-fledged legislative body. Currently, the PAP functions as an advisory organ, providing recommendations to the AU Assembly and Council of Ministers. However, the vision for PAP is to one day exercise legislative powers over areas of common interest, including human rights, democracy, and good governance.

Kalu’s contributions toward this goal cannot be overstated. As a parliamentarian with vast experience in Nigerian politics, he brings a wealth of knowledge on legislative processes. His efforts to advocate for PAP’s transition into a body with legislative powers have been persistent. By promoting discussions around this issue and galvanizing support from other delegations, Kalu has helped keep the vision of a legislative PAP alive.

However, the path toward full legislative powers is fraught with challenges. Many member states are still wary of ceding legislative authority to a supranational body, fearing that it might infringe on their sovereignty. Yet, Kalu’s approach has been one of balance, he recognizes these concerns but believes that a legislative PAP would enhance, rather than diminish, member states’ sovereignty by ensuring that African problems are addressed through African solutions.

Moreover, the evolving nature of the global political landscape, characterized by increasing regionalism and multilateral cooperation, makes PAP’s legislative ambitions even more relevant. In a world where economic blocs like the European Union have shown the power of supranational institutions in driving development, PAP has the potential to become Africa’s legislative powerhouse, promoting harmonized policies that tackle the continent’s most pressing issues.

A Champion of African Unity and Progress

Perhaps the most fitting description of Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu is that of “a true champion of African unity and progress.” His commitment to the Pan-African ideal is not just rhetorical but deeply practical, and exuding non-political affiliation. He understands that Africa’s strength lies in its unity and that the PAP is uniquely positioned to harness that strength. Through his efforts, Kalu has emphasized the importance of cooperation, both within the PAP and across the African Union’s organs.

His intellectual prowess and astute parliamentary skills are an invaluable asset to the West African bloc in PAP, as he continues to advocate for policies that benefit not only Nigeria but the entire region. In doing so, he has earned widespread admiration as a visionary leader capable of navigating the complex waters of African diplomacy.

Moreover, Kalu’s relentless advocacy for African development, his intellectual agility, and his deep-seated belief in Africa’s potential position him as a towering figure in African politics. It is no exaggeration to describe him as an intellectual juggernaut; a leader whose vision transcends the immediate concerns of politics to focus on the long-term prosperity of Africa.

The Future Under Kalu’s Leadership

In conclusion, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu’s leadership at the Pan-African Parliament represents an expression of hope for the future of African politics. Through his diplomatic skills, his relentless advocacy for collaboration, and his inspiring leadership, Kalu has not only advanced the PAP’s goals but has also set a high standard for future African leaders to emulate. His work embodies the very principles upon which the Pan-African Parliament was founded: unity, progress, and a shared commitment to solving Africa’s challenges through dialogue and collective action.

As the Pan-African Parliament continues its transformative journey toward becoming a fully-fledged legislative body, Ben Kalu's pivotal role will persist in shaping its trajectory. His exceptional ability to navigate the intricate and dynamic political landscape of Africa, while concurrently inspiring a new generation of visionary leaders, ensures that his profound influence will resonate for generations to come.

In a continent marked by a rich yet complex history, leaders like Kalu, who champion not only their nation's interests but also the broader aspirations of the entire continent, are indispensable. Their visionary leadership and strong commitment to Africa's progress will help in harnessing the continent's untapped potential. With leaders like Kalu at the helm, Africa stands poised on the threshold of a new era of unprecedented growth and development.

In essence, Ben Kalu's legacy will continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter future for Africa. His impact on the continent's political and economic landscape will undoubtedly endure, cementing his place as one of Africa's most visionary and influential leaders.

This intervention was contributed by Hon. Agbese MHR, a member of the Pan- African Parliament writing from Agila, Benue State.