Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the much anticipated South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill.
Ag. National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu in a statement on Wednesday said the President, through the move, has finally ended the age-long civil war in Southeast.
He recalled that the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war ended with the treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction; and that Federal Government had since 1970 abandoned this treaty and failed in its responsibility to implement it. Biafra agitation resurfaced following the federal government’s abandonment of the treaty.
He expressed confidence that the Commission would not only heal the region but further add value to collective efforts to restore peace and stability in Nigeria and Southeast in particular.
He said, “We commend President Tinubu for the boldness and patriotic act of granting accent to the Southeast Development Commission Bill.
“I must commend all stakeholders who played critical roles in ensuring this long overdue milestone achievement became a reality.
“I thank particularly Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and his colleagues, Southeast Governors led by H.E Sen. Hope Uzodinma, and the National Assembly.
“By granting accent to this Commission, Tinubu has finally ended the age-long civil war in Southeast. Recall the war ended with the Treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction, but the federal government didn’t implement that treaty.
“This is one of basic factors for the reappearance of Biafran agitation which is devastating not just to the economy of the zone, but its peace and security.
“We’re hopeful that the 3R treaty, through the Commission, shall be attended to, to demonstrate Reconciliation, enhance Rehabilitation, and effect Reconstruction.
“We’re hopeful this Commission shall go a long way to add value to our collective efforts to resolve peace and stability in Nigeria and Southeast in particular.
“We’re also optimistic that the Commission shall assist in healing our nation and Southeast on the basis of equity, justice and fairness. For a people denied justice will not be interested in peace.
“We reaffirm our absolute support and solidarity to the Tinubu-led administration.”
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu alongside other house members from southeast region sought to establish a commission that would be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.
The commission will also tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
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