The passage of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill and assent by Mr. President has resulted in the establishment of the commission. This is a testament to the Tinubu admistration’s desire to bring to closure the sad memories of the unfortunate civil war that actually left the South Easterners at the receiving end of the porgrom. The South East Development Commission (SEDC) Act stands out because of its far-reaching implications.
Kudos must be given to the 10th National Assembly for their relentless effort in ensuring that justice was done to the all-important bill. The Deputy Speaker of the House Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, Enyi Abia, led this charge from the front. We are truly grateful to him and all other leaders in the South East who sustained the preasure until its actualization.
The time has come for a pragmatic, intentional, and focused approach in addressing the infrastructural deficit in the region using the SEDC as a vehicle. The road map must be such that it takes on the key areas of development to address the youth restiveness and bring about the much needed succour to the beleaguered South East. There is no better time to drive the restoration of our lost glory. Competence must be given priority in the engagement of key drivers of the commission, which must hit the ground running.
Now that the President has announced the membership of the board of North West Development Commission, which is awaiting the Senate’s confirmation, we must hasten up to ensure that the SEDC kicks off simultaneously without further delay. All in-house take-off challenges should be addressed by the key stakeholders with the overall interest of the region as the guiding compass.
Finally, it is hoped that the SE Governors will collaborate with the agency to ensure that complementing efforts are harnessed towards the radical transformation of the region. There is no more excuse. All hands must now be on deck if we are to realise the objectives of this all-important commission. It is achievable and has to be done.
Chief Chukwudi Samuel Agwu is an Abia born banker, philanthropist, and advocate for good governance. He writes from Abuja.