The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law.
The group also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for sponsoring the bill, lauding him as a beacon of hope for the Igbo people.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, described President Tinubu as a pivotal figure in history, whose assent to the bill vindicates their support for Kalu.
Okwu highlighted the significant potential of the Commission to catalyze development in the South East region, emphasizing, “This is a landmark step post-civil war, poised to foster rapid development in the South East. The region, known for its decayed infrastructure, will greatly benefit from this initiative.”
Reflecting on their unwavering support for Kalu during the inauguration of the current National Assembly, Okwu stated, “Our backing of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker has been vindicated by the historic signing of this bill. The SEDC Act is the most significant progress for Ndigbo since the civil war ended 54 years ago.”
He further urged their kinsmen to heed Kalu’s call for ending all forms of agitation in the region. This appeal followed Kalu’s press conference on Wednesday, where he requested his Igbo compatriots to cease agitation.
Okwu affirmed that with the federal government’s commitment to addressing the marginalization concerns, the need for protests and agitation has diminished.
“We urge that no Igbo individual partakes in the planned nationwide protest. Following Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s call, we advocate for the cessation of all protests and agitations. The bill will address crucial issues such as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructures damaged by the civil war 54 years ago,” he said.
He concluded by rallying the Igbo community to support Kalu, “the new face of hope for the Igbo race,” confident that their demands will be met under President Tinubu’s administration.
