South East Development Bill: Parting Gift For Iwuanyanwu

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has lauded the historic South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

This bill can be seen as a fitting tribute to the Igbo leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a revered statesman and philanthropist, who passed away on Thursday at 82. 

Iwuanyanwu was an advocate who championed the Igbo cause, fought against marginalisation and sought reconciliation, reintegration and reconstruction. 

The SEDC, which will encompass the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, aims to address the long-standing infrastructural and environmental challenges in the South-East. This initiative has been seen as a long-overdue fulfilment of promises made to the region, dating back to the post-civil war era.

Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressed the organisation’s relief and joy at the bill’s signing. “This is a quantum leap, a hope renewal and a significant part of a new beginning by President Tinubu,” he stated. The organisation particularly praised the efforts of Hon. Benjamin Kalu and other key supporters who played pivotal roles in the bill’s passage.

The SEDC is expected to manage funds from the Federation Account to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads, address ecological issues, and promote economic development in the region. This move is seen as addressing the region’s historical neglect, which has been a source of persistent grievances among the Igbo people.

Reflecting on past promises of reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction—coined as the “3R” policy by General Yakubu Gowon in 1970—Ogbonnia noted that these promises had remained largely unfulfilled. “The South East has witnessed the direct opposite of the 3Rs, even in exponential proportion,” he remarked, highlighting the region’s underrepresentation in political appointments and infrastructure.

The statement also acknowledged the appointment of Sen. David Nweze Umahi as the federal minister for Works and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, describing these moves as a major departure from the previous administration’s approach. “As it stands, President Bola Tinubu has shown a major departure from the Buhari regime,” Ogbonnia added.

As the South East celebrates this legislative victory, the memory of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu looms large. The SEDC Bill’s passage, long advocated for by Iwuanyanwu and other Igbo leaders, is a final gift to the late elder statesman, symbolising a new era of hope and development for the region.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi 

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