South-East Development Commission Bill scales second reading in Reps

Hope of so-economic prosperity is gradually rising for the Igbo nation about 50 years after the Nigerian civil war ended, as the bill for an act to establish the South-East Development Commission scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives.

The South-East Development Commission would serve as a “Catalyst to Develop the Commercial Potentials of the South-East, Receive and Manage Funds from Allocation of the Federation for the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reparation for Houses and lost Business of Victims of the Civil War and Address any Other Environmental or Developmental Challenges, and for Related Matters (HB.1626),” the Bill provides.

Acting Leader of the House, Mohammed Monguno from Borno State while reading the bill during plenary on Thursday urged the members to support the bill, noting that “since after the civil war, there is no concerted effort for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure that was destroyed in the south east, that’s the essence of this bill.””

“You are all aware that because of Boko Haram, our infrastructure in the north east was destroyed. And this House in its wisdom decided with unanimity supported the North-East Development Commission that has today hit the ground running. Mr. Speaker, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” he added.

“So, what is good for the North East is also good for the South East because infrastructure has been destroyed. Yes, the three R that was rejected was a stopgap measure. It is against this backdrop that the Senate passed this bill. So, I am also urging my colleagues to support this bill.”

Hassan Shakarau(APC, Kaduna) who was not disposed to support the bill warned against duplicity and wanton creation of Commissions saying that if not checked can become a demand from all geopolitical zones.

“If we continue like this, very soon we will have commission for every zone. My take is that we should find a way of taking care of these anomalies like this so that we don’t end up setting commissions for issues that we can prevent”, he said.

Similarly, Aminu Suleiman(APC, Kano) asked the House to kill the bill, recalling that it had been rejected by the House in 2017 and according to him, it doesn’t matter whether it emanated from the Senate.

“This bill was brought before this chamber and it was debated through. It was stepped down. I do understand…We should look at the bills on the thorough objectives of bills. I would want to plead without any sentiment that this bill should not go,” he said.

But Abdulraq Namdas(APC, Adamawa) while expressing his concern for  members to reconsider the bill said, “I appeal to my colleagues that they should actually reconsider. If the Senate feels that there should be rehabilitation, I think we should consider.”

Also, Edwards Pwajok (PDP, Plateau) reemphasised the imperative of unity through the bill, saying; “there is nothing wrong for us to debate it. Secondly, it is coming from the Senate. Let’s pass this bill for reasons of equity. Let us look at issues on their merit. Are we saying that there are no developmental challenges in the South East? We should pass this bill to send a message that Nigeria is one.”

Saheed Fijabi (APC, Oyo) who also spoke argued that there should be a national development commission for the entire country instead of creating them for zones.

“Instead of having the commissions, let’s have what is called Nigerian Development Commission,” he said.

Sam Onuigbo (PDP, Abia) stated that “the reason is simple. Our colleagues have considered and passed this bill. It is not a bill that is based on sentiments but realities. It is not an issue that is bothered on the civil war. The southeast has serious environmental challenges. Another one is this: when we are seated like this, one zone should not create the impression that the other group is not…please, let’s join hands and ensure that this bill is passed.”

Nkiru Onyejiocha (PDP, Abia) said “I want to appeal to my colleagues to ensure that this bill is passed. We should be looking at what brings us together. Pls, let’s pass this bill. Nigeria and posterity will remember us.”

Also speaking, Abdulmuni Jubrin(APC, Kano) said: “I want to support this bill. I look at this bill from a bigger picture, from a historical perspective. There is a chunk of underdevelopment in that region. They are part of the federal republic of Nigeria.”

“I call on my colleagues that we should rally round, show the people of southeast that they are part of us. If we are talking about finance, Nigeria can fund developments. Let’s rise above ethnic sentiments and get this bill passed”.

The South East Development Commission bill was referred to Committee of the whole House for further legislative actions after a unanimous voice vote.

James Kwen, Abuja