The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) on Wednesday made a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that his release was a critical step toward lasting peace and development in the region.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, stated this while speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja.

He emphasized that the security situation in the South East remained a major concern and must be addressed for any meaningful progress to take place.

According to him, ?Given the region?s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the South East,? Hon. Nkwonta stated.

He noted that the South East Development Commission was created to bridge developmental gaps in the region and that sustainable development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity.

Hon. Nkwonta linked the establishment of the South East Development Commission to the broader national effort of Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiated by the federal government to heal the wounds of the past, particularly in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.

He commended President Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the Commission but stressed that genuine reconciliation must also address the lingering issues of marginalisation and political grievances in the South East.

According to him, ?The establishment of the South East Development Commission, 54 years after the civil war, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than infrastructural development?it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all,? he added.

The committee chairman pointed out that while the South East is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, the region continues to face serious developmental and security challenges, including infrastructural decay, economic underdevelopment, poor healthcare services, human capital flight, and escalating insecurity.

Hon. Nkwonta argued that the detention of Nnamdi Kanu remains a flashpoint for unrest in the region, discouraging investments and slowing down developmental efforts.

He called on the federal government to take bold steps toward national unity by embracing dialogue rather than prolonged detention and legal battles.

While reaffirming the committee?s oversight role, Hon. Nkwonta assured that the South East Development Commission would prioritise impactful and long-term projects rather than superficial initiatives with no lasting value.

He vowed to ensure strict accountability and transparency in the commission?s activities.

However, he maintained that without resolving the security question, development efforts would be severely undermined.

He called on President Tinubu to show political will and leadership by initiating a process that would lead to Kanu?s release and reintegration into society.

Hon. Nkwonta urged lawmakers, stakeholders, and the federal government to approach the South East?s challenges with a renewed sense of justice and inclusivity.

?Together, let us seize this opportunity to make history. Let us transform challenges into opportunities and build a South East region that is not only resilient but also thriving and prosperous,? he concluded.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who officially inaugurated the Committee, said it marked a crucial step toward addressing the developmental challenges facing the Southeast region.

Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, described the event as a renewed commitment to ensuring that the region receives the much-needed investment and attention for its growth and prosperity.

According to him, ?The inauguration of this committee is not just a formality,? Abbas stated. ?It is the beginning of a renewed effort to unlock the full potential of the Southeast, a region known for its resilience, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit,? he said.

He emphasized that the establishment of the South East Development Commission was in response to longstanding issues such as gully erosion, infrastructural decay, economic downturn, youth unemployment, and insecurity.

The Commission, he explained, would serve as a vehicle for recovery, modernization, and economic revitalisation to position the Southeast as a hub for innovation, commerce, and industrial growth.

?The role of this committee is to provide legislative oversight, monitor the implementation of policies, and ensure that the commission fulfils its mandate with efficiency, transparency, and accountability,? Abbas added.

The Speaker acknowledged the Southeast?s historical significance as a centre of trade, education, and enterprise, which has greatly contributed to the national economy.

However, he lamented the region?s struggles with poor infrastructure, inadequate federal presence, and limited access to development opportunities.

He urged the committee to focus on infrastructure development, industrial support, human capital growth, and fostering peace and security.

?This is not just about policy monitoring; it is also about improving the lives of millions of people who look to us for leadership and solutions,? he said.

Addressing the committee members, Abbas charged them to approach their work with diligence, patriotism, and a deep commitment to the people of the Southeast and Nigeria as a whole.

He underscored the high expectations placed on them as the first committee to oversee the Commission, reminding them that their performance would shape the Commission?s legacy.

?The foundation you lay, and the impact you make, will be a significant stamp in the annals of the history of the Commission.

?Development is not about politics. It is about people. We must ensure that every policy, every project, and every decision taken by the commission serves the greater good of the region and contributes to national development,? he said.

The Speaker assured the committee of full support from his office and the House of Representatives; pledging collaboration to ensure the Commission achieves its objectives and serves as a model for regional development.

According to him, ?This is our opportunity to turn aspirations into realities, to uplift communities, and to build a Southeast that is prosperous, stable, and thriving for generations to come,? he said.

?May your efforts bring about meaningful progress, and may this initiative serve as a lasting legacy in our shared vision for a stronger and more united Nigeria.? (Nigerian Tribune)

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