..Urge Ndigbo to Shun Planned Protest, Reiterates Call For Nnamdi Kanu Release
Members of the House of Representatives from the south eastern region of the country have expressed gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing into law, the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Establishment Bill.
Recall that Mr President on Tuesday assented to the bill which was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu and lawmakers from the south east region.
The commission when established will receive and manage funds from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu on Thursday, the lawmakers gave the commendations at a gathering in Abuja on Wednesday night to celebrate the historic feat.
The statement added that, the lawmakers took turns to commend the President and as well commend the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring the bill.
In their separate remarks, the lawmakers also reiterated their calls for the release of proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021.
They also urged Ndigbo to shun the planned protest, expressing optimism that the SEDC Act will address effects of war.
In his remarks, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe commended Mr President and the Deputy Speaker, saying that Ndi Igbo are grateful and happy.
He said, “On Tuesday we received good news, good news for the Igbos. We are very happy to hear that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to South East Development Commission, SEDC bill. A bill sponsored by our brother who God has blessed, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr President signed this bill into law to rehabilitate Igbo land. We are here to celebrate this historic feat. We are very happy and grateful to Mr President.”
On his part, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji said, “We thank our own Deputy Speaker, you’re leading us well. We are also thankful for our brother, Speaker Tajudeen Abass and the entire leadership of the National Assembly. We are grateful for our Deputy Speaker, we will continue to support and pray for you. We are thanking you, please continue the good works. We are optimistic that our needs will be met.
“We are grateful to Mr President for signing this bill into law. As we got this one, let God through you help us to get more for our people. We are hopeful that as this bill is signed into law, we are also optimistic that our brother Nnamdi Kanu will be released soon. We are aware of your efforts in ensuring that this happens, including your initiative the peace in southeast project. To bring about peace and harmony in our region. God will bless all of us , God bless Mr President.”
Also, Hon. Chike Okafor said, “We are happy and grateful to Mr President. We commend our brother, the Deputy Speaker for all his efforts. With this I believe much more will come before the end of tenth assembly. We will always stand by your side. We are optimistic much more is coming our way.”
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu appreciated Mr President and all his colleagues for their support in ensuring that the bill becomes law.
He reiterated his call on Nigerians not to participate in the planned nationwide protests against the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
He stressed that the SEDC Act is a testament to the President Tinubu administration’s resolve to heal the wounds of the past, bury the rumours of the “marginalisation of the South-East geopolitical zone,” and renew the hope of the nation towards equitable economic growth and socio-cultural renewal.
Thanking the Governors of the 5 southeast states for their support, Kalu appealed to all citizens to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
