The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed immense relief and joy over the recent signing of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The SEDC, which covers the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, marks a significant new beginning for the region.
Ohanaeze commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the co-sponsors of the bill. The organisation highlighted Kalu’s exceptional qualities, describing him as “suave, assertive, sagacious, and visionary.” They acknowledged his vital role in bringing the long-awaited SEDC into existence, stating, “The SEDC which has remained in the pipeline for decades has come on stream through Kalu and his team.”
The SEDC aims to manage funds from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructural deficits in the Southeast, addressing ecological problems and environmental challenges that have plagued the region for decades. This initiative is seen as a response to the unfulfilled promises of General Yakubu Gowon’s 3Rs – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction – made in January 1970. Ohanaeze noted, “Fifty-four years after the war, the South East has witnessed the direct opposite of the 3Rs, even in exponential proportion.”
The press release pointed out the systemic neglect faced by the Southeast, including having the least number of local government areas, states, political appointments, and representatives in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, coupled with the worst infrastructure. “No one should therefore look elsewhere in the search for the persistent youth restiveness and secessionist agitations in the region,” it added.
Furthermore, the Southeast governors, led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, are expected to leverage the opportunities created by the Commission to promote industrial, agricultural, tourism, energy, commercial, and investment potentials in the zone. The SEDC will also aid in creating a centrally coordinated security architecture in the region.
In a related development, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Nweze Umahi, announced plans for a 477-kilometre six-lane superhighway traversing five states to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The superhighway will pass through Abakiliki, Enugu, and Nsukka, leading to Abuja.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed his elation and gratitude to President Tinubu over these developments. Ohanaeze noted, “President Bola Tinubu has shown a major departure from the Buhari regime by signing the SEDC Bill into law; appointing Sen. Dave Nweze Umahi, a brilliant and prudent engineer, as the federal minister for Works, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of the Naval Staff.”
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, concluded, “This is a quantum leap and a new beginning.”