The senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law.
Senator Ubah made the remarks in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Kamen Chuks Ogbonna, dated July 24, 2024.
According to Mr. Ogbonna, Senator Ubah praised the President’s commitment to addressing the region’s development challenges and fostering unity by signing the SEDC bill.
Ubah noted that the passage of this bill marks the culmination of the South East’s tireless efforts.
These efforts are championed by the Senator and other lawmakers to establish a development commission that will address the region’s critical needs, Ogbonna said.
The Senator highlighted that the bill’s signing reverses the disappointment caused by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former president, it could be recalled, denied assent to the bill, allegedly owing to his bias against the region.
This, Ubah said, had reinforced feelings of injustice and hindered APC’s progress in the region.
He also lauded Tinubu for paving the way for meaningful collaboration between the region and federal government.
The SEDC bill, the senator assured, will ensure the region’s growth and prosperity.
Origin of the SEDC Bill
It may be recalled that Ubah re-presented the bill to the senate, on October 4, 2023.
That was after former president, Buhari, denied assent to the initial version.
While addressing the media then after the bill scaled first reading, Ubah said:
“On Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at plenary, the Southeast Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (SB.129) which was sponsored by me passed the First Reading.
“It should be noted that the earlier version of the (SEDC) Bill was denied presidential assent by the past administration.
“That motivated me to introduce a fresh version of it with provisions that will convince the Senate and the President to support it and sign it into law respectively.
“This fresh version of the Bill (SEDC) is aimed to establish a Commission that will focus on the development of the South East region of Nigeria which has been historically marginalized and has faced various challenges in terms of infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he added.
SEDC Bill aims to establish a commission responsible for managing funds allocated from the federation account.
The funds are for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other damage infrastructures.
Damage on the infrastructures in the region occurred due to the civil war, which took place between 1967 and 1970.
The commission will also tackle ecological problems and related environmental or developmental challenges in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.
According to Ogbonna, “Senator Ubah’s appreciation reflects the collective gratitude of the South East people, who eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this development commission”.