Delight Chinedum
Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth wing has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the much anticipated South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill.
The Ag. National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu in a chat with reporters on Wednesday said the President, through the move, has finally ended the age long civil war in South East.
He recalled that the war, which ended on the treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction resurfaced through Biafra agitation following federal government’s abandonment to the treaty.
He expressed confidence that the Commission would not only heal the region, but further add value to collective efforts to resolve peace and stability in Nigeria and South East in particular.
He said: “We commend President Tinubu for the boldness and patriotic act of granting accent to South East Development Commission Bill.
“I must commend all stakeholders who played critical roles to ensuring this milestone achievement that is long overdue became a reality.
“By granting accent to this Commission, Tinubu has finally ended the age long civil war in South East. Recall the war was ended on the treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, but the federal government didn’t implement that treaty.
“This is one of the basic factors for the reappearance of Biafran agitation which is devastating not just the economy of the zone, but its peace and security security.
“We’re hopeful that the 3R treaty, through the Commission shall be attended to, to demonstrate Reconciliation, enhance Rehabilitation and effect Reconstruction.
“We’re hopeful this Commission shall go a long way to add value to our collective efforts to resolve peace and stability in Nigeria and South East in particular.
“We’re also optimistic that the Commission shall assist in healing our nation and South East on the basis of equity, justice and fairness. For a people denied justice will not be interested in peace.
“We reaffirm our absolute support and solidarity to the Tinubu-led administration.”
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu alongside other house members from South East region was sought to establish a commission that would be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund 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.
The commission will as well tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South East States which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi.