Enugu, Nigeria– The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed immense relief and joy following the signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Covering the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, this legislative move is seen as a significant leap forward, renewing hope and marking a new beginning under President Tinubu’s administration.
In a press release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the co-sponsors of the bill for their pivotal roles. The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo praised Kalu’s exceptional qualities during a courtesy call to the National Assembly, highlighting his suave, assertive, sagacious, and visionary dispositions. Kalu’s leadership and respect among House members were crucial in bringing the long-pending SEDC Bill to fruition.
The SEDC is tasked with managing funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, addressing infrastructural deficits, and tackling ecological and environmental challenges that have plagued the Southeast for decades. The establishment of the SEDC is seen as a response to the unfulfilled promises of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (the 3Rs) made by General Yakubu Gowon in 1970, following the Nigerian Civil War. For over fifty years, the Southeast has faced neglect and has the least political representation and infrastructure among Nigerian regions.
Ohanaeze highlighted the significant disparities the Southeast faces, such as having the fewest local government areas, states, political appointments, and representation in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These inequities have contributed to youth restiveness and secessionist agitations in the region.
The Southeast governors, led by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, are expected to leverage the opportunities created by the SEDC to promote industrial, agricultural, tourism, energy, commercial, and investment potentials. Additionally, the Commission will help create a centrally coordinated security architecture in the zone.
Further development plans were announced by the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, who revealed a federal government project to construct a 477-kilometer, six-lane super highway connecting the Southeast to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The super highway will pass through Abakiliki, Enugu, and Nsukka.
Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for these developments. He noted that the signing of the SEDC Bill, along with the appointment of Senator Umahi as the federal minister for works and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of the Naval Staff, marks a significant departure from the previous administration and addresses longstanding issues of marginalization.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, emphasized that these actions by President Tinubu represent a quantum leap and a new beginning for the Southeast. The organization maintains that overcoming Igbophobia—defined as a pathological fear of the Igbo—will be crucial for Nigeria’s progress, noting the sacrifices the Igbo have made for the country.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
