Onuigbo Urges Pioneer Members to Deliver Excellence
President Bola Tinubu has been commended for his historic decision to establish the South East Development Commission (SEDC), marking a significant step toward addressing decades of neglect in the region. Rep. Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, Chairman of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), made this known in a statement on Sunday.
Onuigbo hailed the President for swiftly assenting to the SEDC establishment bill, which had faced multiple delays since its initial introduction during the 6th National Assembly. He noted that the creation of the SEDC fulfills a long-awaited promise to the South East, particularly in addressing the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War and the unmet goals of the triple Rs—Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reintegration.
“President Tinubu deserves special thanks for breaking the jinx and delivering what successive administrations failed to do. For over five decades, the scars of the civil war have lingered, manifesting in infrastructural decay, economic hardships, and social disconnect,” Onuigbo said.
He emphasized that the SEDC would play a transformative role by addressing the region’s socio-economic challenges, healing psychological wounds, and fostering trust. “The commission represents a new chapter for the South East, promising psychological healing and tackling the feelings of socio-economic marginalization,” he added.
Onuigbo also praised the 10th National Assembly for its pivotal role in ensuring the bill’s passage. He singled out Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for his efforts in championing the legislation, calling it a landmark achievement. “Hon. Ben Kalu has etched his name in gold with this momentous legislation,” Onuigbo said.
The lawmaker urged the pioneer members of the SEDC, led by former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Emeka Wogu, to work with unity and purpose. He charged them to rebuild the region’s infrastructure and economy, harkening back to a time when the South East was recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
In addition to infrastructure reconstruction, the SEDC is tasked with addressing ecological and environmental challenges in the South East states. According to the enabling Act, the commission will manage funds from the Federation Account to rebuild roads, houses, and other damaged infrastructure caused by the civil war.
Onuigbo also appealed to stakeholders in the South East, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the commission’s efforts. He described the SEDC’s success as a fitting way to show appreciation for President Tinubu’s groundbreaking gesture.
“With this move, the journey to building a nation ‘where no one is oppressed’ has begun,” Onuigbo concluded.
President Tinubu recently forwarded the list of SEDC board members to the Senate for screening and confirmation, signaling the start of the commission’s operations. For many, this development represents a long-overdue step toward rectifying historical injustices and rebuilding the South East region.
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