Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed its commendation for President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, calling it a significant advancement for the region.
The organization described the President’s action as “a quantum leap” and a renewal of hope.
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In a statement, Ohanaeze celebrated the President’s decision as a new beginning for the South East, which includes the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
The group extended its gratitude to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other co-sponsors of the bill for their efforts in bringing the long-awaited SEDC to fruition.
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The SEDC is designed to manage funds from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure in the South East, addressing ecological and environmental challenges that have plagued the region.
Ohanaeze emphasized that this commission is a crucial step towards addressing the historical neglect and underdevelopment of the South East.
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Ohanaeze’s statement also highlighted the federal government’s neglect of the region over the past 54 years since General Yakubu Gowon’s 3R promise—Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction—was made in 1970.
The organization pointed out that the South East has suffered from a lack of local government areas, states, political appointments, and poor infrastructure compared to other regions.
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The group linked the region’s youth restiveness and secessionist agitations to these long-standing issues.
They expressed optimism that the SEDC would help leverage the industrial, agricultural, tourism, energy, commercial, and investment potentials of the South East, as well as establish a centrally coordinated security architecture.
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Additionally, Ohanaeze noted the federal government’s plans to construct a 477-kilometer, six-lane super highway connecting the South East to Abuja, as announced by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Nweze Umahi. This development is seen as another positive step for the region.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu, acknowledging his departure from previous administrations by signing the SEDC Bill into law and making key appointments, such as Sen. Dave Nweze Umahi as the Minister for Works and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff.
Ohanaeze concluded by affirming that these actions represent a significant leap forward and a promising new beginning for the South East.
