By Comfort Olayinka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law a bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The bill was sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and passed by the House in December 2023.
The Upper Legislative Chamber concurred with the bill in May 2024, paving the way for President Tinubu’s signature.
Reacting to the news, Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law.
The SEDC will be responsible for receiving and managing funds from the federation account to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructure damaged during the civil war.
This move aims to address the lingering effects of the civil war, 54 years on, and promote economic growth in the South East region.
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) will also address ecological problems and related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States.
These states include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi, which will benefit from the commission’s efforts to tackle environmental and developmental issues.
Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu.
Kalu was elated by the President’s action and thanked his colleagues in the National Assembly for their support.
He also extended his gratitude to all Nigerians who supported the bill, acknowledging the collective effort that led to its passage and signing.
