Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker, House of Representatives, has said that the South-East Development Commission when it becomes law would correct all the perceived injustices, imbalances and marginalisation of the zone.
Kalu, who sponsored the Bill disclosed that it had passed the first, second and third readings before the House and sent to the upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
Kalu, who disclosed this to newsmen at his Bende country home in Abia North, said when the SEDC becomes law, all the 3Rs of Reconciliation. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction which was touted after the ill-fated Nigeria-Biafra Civil war would be embedded in the Commission.
Read also: South East Development Bill scales first reading in Senate
The Deputy Speaker noted that when the Commission becomes operational the entire South East would witness massive development to assuage the area of the wounds of the war.
Kalu also said that the ‘Peace In Southeast Project’ which was unveiled in his country home on December 29 last year was the solution to infrastructural facilities in the zone.
“PISE P will solve the problem of marginalisation. We are leading an advocacy that will solve all the hydra-headed problems. Through the help of PISE-P and my humble self we are able to pass the Commission that has gone through first, second and third readings and now going to the Senate.
“If we are able to achieve those things that are lacking through the South-East Development Commission, money earmarked in fighting insecurity will be sunk into development,” Kalu said.
He noted that insecurity in the South -East was a problem for the entire country and that leaders should not fold their hands and watch it continue.
“Ignoring the insecurity and agitations of those causing it; non-militarisation of the South-East will prepare the people of the zone to iron out the differences,” Kalu advised.
He also advised those causing insecurity to embrace peace and dialogue, which according to him, were panacea to resolving conflicts.
“You cannot match the Federal might and the result is to waste blood. But we should come together to resolve the issue,” he said.
He advised those carrying arms to surrender them and be compensated through money, employment and empowerment to start a business.
On the issue of Monday’s sit-at-home being observed in the South-East, Kalu frowned at this ugly situation which he noted had caused the people much and the economy.
He said: “It has an adverse effect on their income per capita and should be stopped forthwith and embrace the gospel of peace being preached now.”
On Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the deputy speaker said Kanu is his brother and that for him to be released, it needed strategic thinking, adding that the Federal Government could not be arm-twisted for Kanu to be released.
“The best approach is to reduce tension. Sit-at-home on Mondays is an affront to the government. Sit-at-home should stop so that Nnamdi will be released. I will never deny Nnamdi as my brother, never. If Nnamdi is delayed there, it is our fault.”
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