I Owe My Emergence To Emenike – Deputy Speaker

The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that he owes his reelection to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governorship candidate in Abia State in the 2023 general election, High Chief Ikechi Emenike.

The member representing Bende federal constituency in the House stated this at the 2025 annual thanksgiving service of the family of Emenike at St John’s Methodist Church, Umukabia Okpula, Umuahia North local government area.

Kalu recalled how, despite opposition from both within and outside the APC to his reelection, Emenike ensured that he secured the party’s nomination form for the election without any conditions.

The deputy speaker, who described the governorship candidate as a rare politician, straightforward and a man of impeccable character, announced a donation of N5 million to the church.

In his address, the Bishop of Umuahia East Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Best Okike, lauded Emenike for his philanthropy to the church, and for initiating and sustaining the thanksgiving service.
Okike, who lauded Emenike for rebuilding the church some years ago, informed the congratulation that Emenike was following the footsteps of his late father, who was once a choir master in the church.

In his homily, the immediate past minister of the church, the Rev T. M. Ejim, harped on the need for Christians to trust and depend wholly on God even when circumstances are unfavourable to them.

He described Emenike as a man with a golden heart, integrity and honesty, noting that many people and the church have benefited immensely from his generosity.

‎Ejim said the theme of the service “Trusting God” speaks to Emenike’s attitude to life and Christianity, encouraging the congregation to have faith that God, who had brought them to the moment, has much for them in 2026.

‎In his response, Emenike said the family initiated the thanksgiving service to appreciate God for His love for them and to renew their faith and trust in Him for the following year.