ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said the the South East Development Commission ( SEDC) will actualise the aspirations of the people of South East.
At a press briefing in Abuja, he thanked President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the SEDC Bill, which was passed recently by the National Assembly.
He expressed optimism that the commission will go a long way to address the developmental challenge in the South East geo-political zone.
The deputy speaker, who is sponsor of the bill, alongside members of the House from the South East, also expressed appreciation to the National Assembly and other Nigerians for supporting the legislation.
“The bill assented to by the President amplifies the commitment to the real rehabilitation and reconstruction of the South-East. A 54-year-old jinx broken by the South East loving president; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The act is a testament to our collective effort and commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing our beloved region.
“I am grateful to my colleagues in the National Assembly, to all Nigerians who supported this bill, and most especially, to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and leadership. I also want to convey the appreciation of all Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) from the
South-East zone. This is a momentous occasion, and we are filled with hope and determination.
“We assure you that this commission will work tirelessly to ensure that the dreams and aspirations of our people are realised. We will continue to push for more positive attention and development for our zone.
“This is not just a legislative victory; it is a historic milestone for the South-East geopolitical zone. The commission will receive and manage funds from the allocation of the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damages suffered by the zone as a result of the civil war.
“It will also tackle ecological problems and other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South-East States, including Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
“To my fellow South-Easterners, I implore you not to join the planned looming anti-government protests. Instead, let us view the signing of the SEDC bill into law as a testament to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s resolve to heal the wounds of the past, bury the rumors of the ‘marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone,’ and renew the hope of the nation towards equitable economic growth and socio-cultural renewal.
“This is a time for unity and progress, not division and unrest. I also implore Nigerians from all walks of life and the entirety of the country to not heed the calls for protest but instead continue to trust in the process.
“The reforms of the current administration will take time but will soon start to suffice, including a reversal of inflation, stabilization of the economy, and the ensuing multiplier effects in a massive employment boom as a result of industrialisation, and the outcomes of the work organizations like the SEDC will engineer.”
