Ohanaeze Ndigbo has lauded President Bola Tinubu following his recent signing of two significant bills into law: the North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023.
The development commissions are set to address critical infrastructure and environmental issues in their respective regions.
The North-West Development Commission is tasked with facilitating the reconstruction of roads, homes, and businesses affected by various crises, while also tackling poverty, literacy, and ecological challenges in the North-West states. Similarly, the South-East Development Commission aims to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged in the South-East, addressing ecological and developmental issues.
In a statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed its appreciation for President Tinubu’s actions, calling it a significant corrective measure after 54 years since the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, remarked, “This momentous occasion marks a turning point in our history, as it signals a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Igbo people, both at home and in the diaspora.”
Isiguzoro continued, “After 54 long years since the end of the Nigeria-Civil War, the establishment of the SEDC represents a beacon of hope and a genuine reconciliatory gesture by the Federal Government. We recognize the leadership shown by President Tinubu in approving the creation of this commission, which will play a vital role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the infrastructure in the South East region, which has long suffered from neglect and lack of development.”
He further noted, “Former Military Heads of State, such as General Yakubu Gowon, General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari, and General Ibrahim Babangida, failed to take decisive action to address the pains and devastation experienced by the Southeast. President Tinubu’s courageous step in signing the SEDC bill into law demonstrates his commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and addressing the marginalization and injustices faced by the Igbo people.”
Isiguzoro added, “The SEDC is a crucial vehicle through which funds from the federation account will be allocated for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructure that have been neglected for far too long. This initiative aligns with the principles of the Post-Civil War Gowon’s 3Rs policy – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation – and represents a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past.”
The signing of these bills is expected to pave the way for significant development and reconciliation efforts in both the North-West and South-East regions.