Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described the team members of the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, as round pegs in square holes.
It could be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced Board members of the Commission, with Dr Emeka Nworgu as chairman. Another key member of the Board is Toby Okechukwu, who is the executive director of projects.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the calibre of people chosen by President Tinubu showed the seriousness the government attached to the Commission.
He said, “we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the serious attention he has given to the South-East Development Commission, which manifested in the calibre of people he has appointed in the Board.
“It is clear from the list of the members that these are renowned Igbos with a track record of experience both in private and public service.
“The Chairman of the Board, Dr Emeka Nworgu, CON, is a one time chairman of Abia South local government area, former political adviser to former Gov of Abia State and a two term minister under the administration of goodluck Jonathan. He performed creditably in these offices.
“Also of particular mention is Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, who is the executive director of projects, a former member of the National Assembly, who was synonymous with attracting quality projects to his constituency and beyond during his time in the National Assembly. He was known as Mr project during the time in question.
“The former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives is a man of with capacity when it comes to infrastructural development and human empowerment.
“No wonder he was the Chairman, House Committee on Works in the 8th House of Representatives and capped it up as Deputy Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives. He was a leader in the 9th Assembly and greatly admired by his people.
“As the chairman house committee on works, he contributed a lot to the progress of work at the second Niger Bridge, rehabilitation of Abuja – Kano federal highway and Lagos – Ibadan expressway, etc.
“Another distinguished member of the Board is Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, Chief of staff to the president of the 10th Senate, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio.
“With these calibre of men in the helm of affairs at the SEDC, Mr President deserves kudos; it’s a phenomenal choice; he has no doubt set the ball rolling.”
Okwu said now that the Commission was totally in place, the expected rebuilding of the South-East after the civil war should commence in earnest.
“The people of the South-East had all along cried out over the high level of marginalization against us; it became manifestly high that our people could no longer bear it, leading to a resurgence in agitation for Biafra.
“However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a giant leap towards addressing all the injustice against the South-East. The starting point is this quality of Board members of the SEDC.
“We, however, urge Mr President to go a step further by making good funding available to the Commission through the 2025 budget, which is in the process.
“Without adequate funding all the expectation and joy of our people will be cut short.
“But we are upbeat and quite positive that the much-awaited good time for the people of the South-East is here.
“We assure the President of the support of Ndigbo, now and in future,” Okwu concluded.
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