Tinubu signs bill creating pan-Igbo South East Development Commission into law

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has signed the much-anticipated South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law creating a new federal agency to cater for the unique needs of the five states in the geo-political zone.

Over recent years, the southeast has been agitating for a regional agency similar to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address its infrastructural needs. Nigeria's National Assembly has since passed the bill into law, with both chambers voting to establish the SEDC and now President Tinubu has finally appended his signature to the piece of legislation.

Hon Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, who sponsored the bill, said it sought to establish a commission that will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds for the geo-political zone. He pointed out that the funding will come from 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, which ended 54 years ago.

This commission will also tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges the southeast states face. At the moment, the geo-political zone in facing a serious erosion threat, particularly in Anambra State  but the four other states Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi all have other their own issues too.

Hon Kalu expressed his gratitude to the president for signing the SEDC bill into law and also thanked his colleagues in the National Assembly and indeed, all Nigerians for supporting the bill. He also conveyed the appreciation of all Ndigbo from across the southeast geo-political zone, assuring them of more positive attention from the president.