The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stressed the need to transform and develop the Southeast, and to make up for the neglect of the region after the civil war.
He noted this, Wednesday, at the National Assembly in Abuja, when he addressed the House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The Committee was put in place to ensure the success of the recently created commission.
Kalu, who represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, said, “The committee has a task that is very clear and doable. The South East is in dire need of both human and infrastructural developments and the President, in his wisdom has granted the region’s age-long request.
“The Federal Government declaration of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation decades ago never saw the light of day. This will finally be done through the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
We are indeed grateful to Mr. President. Despite the rich economic potentials of the Southeast region, it has remained underdeveloped. It has been bereft of adequate development. Human capital, infrastructural development are still lacking in the region.”
The Deputy Speaker urged the Hon. Chris Nkwonta (Abia, Ukwa East/West) led Committee to ensure patriotism and zeal in the discharge of their functions.
“You all must be guided to appreciate that development is about the people. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Commission stays upright and people- oriented in every undertaking. Every policy, every project must be people- oriented.
“The president has a dream for the people. The committee should help make that dream a reality. The dream of a prosperous, stable and secured Southeast is realisable” he said.
On his part, Nkwonta thanked the Deputy Speaker for honouring the invitation and assured him that the committee would work assiduously to oversight and do all the needfuls.
He added, “The vision behind the declaration of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation will be realised by the Commission. It is indeed a new dawn. I want to assure you that the progress of our people and the development of our region is the goal and we shall ensure that the Commission stays focused and successful.
“Our mandate is to ensure that the Commission’s policies and programs are tailored to realising the progress of our people and the development of our region.”
