By Valentine Nwori
Nigerian Senate on 22nd February 2024 passed the bill establishing the Southeast Development Commission.
Aware of the wanton destruction of infrastructures during the Nigeria/Biafra civil war, mismanagement in the implementation of the reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation (3Cs) policy of General Yakubu Gowon in knowing the continuous restiveness being witnessed in the Southeast geopolitical zone, the 10th Nigerian Senate rose and patriotically achieved a legal milestone by passing one of the most sensitive bills empowering for the establishment of the ever awaited Southeast Development Commission.
In an interview with Journalists, Deputy Chief Whip in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi who cosponsored the bill said: "Today marks the beginning of a new future for Ndigbo and the vision of its total restoration shall now be a reality.
"Indeed, by the passage of this all-important bill establishing the Southeast Development Commission, I can tell you that the real healing has begun and I must commend my colleagues for throwing their weights behind the success of this developmental and people's oriented bill."
Senator Nwebonyi opined that the Commission is charged with the responsibility among others to receive and manage funds from the allocation of the management account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war in the region.
It will also tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States.
The Deputy Chief Whip appreciated the uncommon industriousness, progressive-mindedness and nationalistic posture of Ndi-Igbo across the country despite all odds.
He further enjoined Ndi-Igbo to come together and throw their full weight behind Senator Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The Senator insisted that by supporting the current administration more can be achieved without much stress.
Nwebonyi, who is a member of the ECOWAS Parliament and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone concluded that when the bill would be assented to by Mr President and the Commission is fully constituted, the South East geopolitical zone could witness an uncommon transformation.
Valentine C.Nwori is the Chief Media Aide to the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate.
