Benjamin Kalu: The South East Development Commission Is A ‘Healing Balm’ From President Tinubu To The Region

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the new South Eastern Development Commission ( SEDC) is a Healing Balm from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the region.

Kalu said this while speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday about the SEDC, which was established to ensure the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damages in the zone.

Kalu praised President Tinubu’s efforts, saying, “The South East Development Commission is a healing balm from President Tinubu to the region.” 

He elaborated that this initiative fulfils a long-standing promise made to the South Easterners since 1970 under the Gowon administration, saying, “Since 1970, South Easterners were promised the three Rs, Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation. It has been in words for over five decades, and no president has had the courage to take action on it until now.”

Kalu explained that the establishment of the SEDC is a significant step towards healing the wounds left by the civil war and addressing the region’s special needs. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to be courageous and end the war that has been raging in the hearts of the South Easterners by fulfilling the promise of 54 years by bringing out a new agency. He did it without making noise.”

Explaining the necessity of the SEDC despite existing federal, state, and local government projects, Kalu said, “Special problems demand special intervention, and it’s all about strategy for anyone development-oriented. Former President Buhari, in view of what was happening in the North East, brought an intervention using the regional development agencies to carry out some intervention, and the resultant effect of that is tremendous and unrecognisable. This is what is needed to carry out the intervention that the South Easterners have been longing for 54 years.”

Urging the youth in the South East to embrace the process of policy formulation and implementation rather than resorting to protests, he stated, “We are very grateful, and that’s why I’m calling on the youth in the South East to say no to protest and yes to process. This is the time of laying the foundation.”

Highlighting that President Tinubu’s actions embody genuine leadership and democratic values by prioritising the needs of the people over political interests, he said, “I believe President Tinubu’s motivations are not politically driven, especially since it’s not yet election season. 

“He is a leader who values equity. The civil war claimed around 3 million lives, and those affected deserve a dedicated development agency. Tinubu’s focus has been on the needs of the people, not on political gains. This is the essence of true leadership and democracy, and it is precisely what Nigeria needs at this time.”

Kalu also appealed to President Tinubu to extend his equity to Nnamdi Kanu by releasing him, saying, “We are not forcing you but appealing to you to extend your equity to our brother. The work will not be complete only with the South East Development Commission, complete the job, Mr. President. I appeal to you as your follower and a man who honours you. We will bring value to you in these eight years of your office.”

He also expressed his discontent with the planned protest by dissuading Nigeria from following the path of protest like Kenyans, he said, “The protest got to the highest point because Kenya had an outing, but Kenya is a small country compared to Nigeria. We can’t take an example from countries like Kenya. We are the big brothers of Africa, and we need to set an example for other countries.”

NANCY MBAMALU 

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