A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and Chairman of Media and Publicity for the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), Mary Ikoku, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law, the South East Development Commission Bill.
Ikoku, in a press statement, made available to newsmen, also praised the National Assembly for considering the bill to go through all processes until Mr President signed it.
The media expert in the statement specifically thanked the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the brain behind the bill, who is also the founder and main promoter of the PISE-Project.
She held that Ndi Igbo were lucky to have a President like Tinubu in power, who cherished the development and progress of the South East, generously demonstrated by the signing of the Bill.
She stated, “The historic signing of the South East Development Commission Bill into law, coming 54 years after the Biafra-Nigeria Civil War, should be given accolades and appreciated by anyone who is from the South East of Nigeria.
“This is not the first time our people have made efforts to bring the region into development, especially with the kind of monumental damage that took place in the zone during the civil war.
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-East Development Commission Bill into law. By doing so, he has left an indelible mark on the annals of History of Igboland.
“I also commend the tireless efforts of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring the bill and championing its passage through both chambers of the National Assembly. Through perseverance and unrelenting drive, he has shattered barriers, pushed boundaries, and redefined what is possible on this groundbreaking accomplishment. This extraordinary achievement was achieved within 13 months of exemplary, well-deserved Co-Leadership of the House of Representatives.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, National Assembly leadership, South East caucus, and every legislator who supported this bill. Your collective efforts have made this achievement possible.
“To the good people of the South East, I celebrate with you on this remarkable achievement. As the primary beneficiaries of this law, I am confident that it will bring about transformative development, economic growth, and lasting peace to our region.
“The South-East Development Commission Bill addresses the 3Rs of the South East – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation – which have been long overdue since the end of the civil war. This law is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to healing the wounds of the past and paving the way for a brighter future.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by signing this document, has shown that he truly recognizes that the South East needs to meet up with other regions in federal government – sponsored developmental efforts.
“Tinubu has also shown that despite the challenges facing his government and the people of Nigeria, he has the interest of Ndi Igbo, who are the people of the South East at heart. He has shown us that he is “Enyi Ndị Igbo”, a true friend of the Igbo nation.
“We are grateful, Mr. President. Imeela.
“To our brothers and sisters at the National Assembly, who joined the deputy speaker in sponsoring the bill and everyone who contributed to the success, your collective efforts have written a new chapter in our region’s history.
“To my leader and brother, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, who initiated the bill, I salute you. You are indeed a goal-getter. By focusing all your energy on getting such a people – oriented, developmental bill to see the light of the day, you have catapulted the entire South East into prominence and set the wheels of progress in motion for the revolutionary development of ala Igbo. Thank you so much for this great sacrifice for our people”, Ikoku posited.
She also urged regional leaders and State Governors of South-East states especially, to join in showing appreciation to Mr President, as well as the National Assembly, especially by acknowledging both the President and the Deputy Speaker for their efforts in making this happen.
