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), has commended President Bola Tinubu for the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), a landmark decision aimed at addressing the region’s long-standing infrastructural and economic challenges.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Onuigbo praised President Tinubu for his swift assent to the bill for the establishment of the SEDC, following its passage by the 10th National Assembly. He also lauded Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his relentless advocacy, from sponsoring the bill to ensuring its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Onuigbo described the creation of the SEDC as a historic move that addresses the unmet promises of the post-civil war “Triple Rs”—Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Reintegration—which had been abandoned by successive governments over the past five decades. He emphasized that the commission, coming more than 54 years after the civil war, would play a crucial role in the region’s healing process, particularly in light of the war’s devastations.

“President Tinubu deserves special thanks from the people of the South East,” Onuigbo remarked. “For over half a century, the scars of the civil war—marked by infrastructure destruction, social disconnection, and economic hardship—have remained with us. By signing the SEDC bill into law and constituting its members, the President has given the commission a unique opportunity to heal these wounds, both physically and psychologically.”

He noted that the establishment of the commission marks a significant step in bridging the divide between the South East and the rest of the country, addressing the region’s feelings of socio-economic marginalization, and promoting national unity.

Onuigbo urged the pioneer members of the SEDC to work with unity and determination to lay a solid foundation for the commission’s success. He also appealed for the collective effort of leaders, stakeholders, and the people of the South East to support the work of the commission, headed by Dr. Emeka Wogu, to ensure its success.

He further praised the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for their role in passing the SEDC bill and commended Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his leadership in making the bill a reality. Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act in the 9th National Assembly, acknowledged the challenges and rigor involved in pushing impactful legislation through the National Assembly and highlighted Kalu’s contributions as a leader committed to the progress of the South East.

“Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu has earned his place in history with this momentous legislation,” Onuigbo said. “Now, it is up to the SEDC members to fulfill the great expectations set by the law.”

Onuigbo concluded by stressing that the success of the SEDC would be a testament to President Tinubu’s historic gesture and a symbol of the South East’s commitment to overcoming past challenges. He also noted that the establishment of the SEDC comes at a time when the national anthem has been reinstated, signaling a renewed commitment to building a united Nigeria where no one is oppressed.

The South East Development Commission, which was first proposed during the 6th National Assembly, faced several delays but was eventually passed with the efforts of lawmakers like Ben Kalu. The President recently forwarded the names of the commission’s members, including Dr. Emeka Wogu as Chairman, to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The commission’s primary responsibilities include the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during the civil war, addressing ecological and environmental challenges, and overseeing the region’s development.