SEDC significant step towards region’s progress – Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi

By Agatha Emeadi

Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ibezi is one of the young Turks of the energised All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. He was a member of the 9th National Assembly representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency. His short stay at the Green Chamber was eventful and meaningful. He has been at the forefront of the renewed efforts to rebrand APC in Anambra State and return the party to winning ways.

In a recent brief encounter with journalists, Ibezi, a notable grassroots mobiliser, shared his views on political developments in the polity. Excerpt:

What are your thoughts on the EndBadGovernance protest, and why do you think the Southeast chose not to participate?

First, I must commend the Federal Government for acknowledging citizens’ right to protest peacefully. The challenge has always been that people with other ulterior motives hijack the process, as was witnessed in some states. The protesters have been heard, and the Tinubu administration is strenuously trying to address most of the concerns. We should note that economic challenges are global. Even advanced economies such as the United States of America (USA) are battling spiralling food prices, a significant issue in their ongoing presidential campaigns. The critical thing to note is that the government is listening and working hard to carry out reforms, some of which will take time to materialise. You can see that the Southeast has come of age politically. Their decision not to participate in the protest showed maturity and understanding. Given their recent experience, it was in the region’s enlightened self-interest not to participate in the protest. I commend our leaders at various levels for managing the protest better. I hope those who make Ndigbo scapegoats at every opportunity are taking note. Through the office of Mr. President’s political adviser, I expect FG to issue a strong statement commending the Southeast for its patriotism.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu signed a law establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC). Don’t you think the development commissions are getting too many?

It’s not a matter of quantity, but quality of service delivery. The NDDC, NEDC, and now SEDC are all specialised commissions designed to address specific challenges. The key to their success is adequate funding and establishing transparent and accountable governance structures. With these in place, I am confident these commissions will significantly improve our development trajectory. Recently, President Bola Tinubu signed a law establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC). This is a significant step towards the region’s progress. Establishing the SEDC is not just a bureaucratic move, but a potential game-changer for the Southeast. It is a step in the right direction, albeit delayed. Southeast region urgently needs this commission, and its establishment brings hope for a brighter future.

More than 50 years after the Nigeria civil war, General Yakubu Gowon’s promise of “reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation” is yet to be fully fulfilled. With SEDC, President Tinubu is about to fulfil Gowon’s promise. I have already commended President Tinubu for his courage and statesmanship in signing the SEDC law. Somehow, I regard signing the SEDC law as a personal victory because it was one of the early draft bills I submitted for approval at the 9th Assembly, and the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, approved it for onward presentation to the House in plenary. I am happy that my colleagues, notably distinguished Senators Stella Odua, Ifeanyi Ubah and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu took it up and saw its passing and signing into law. I also commend them. I urge Mr. President to appoint loyal, dedicated, committed people who have demonstrated capacity and are in touch with the needs of the people to the management committee of SEDC for its early take-off. SEDC is so crucial to Ndigbo that it should not be filled with ‘food is ready’ politicians.

There have been noticeable efforts recently to rebrand and strengthen the APC in Anambra State. Given the pervading sentiments, do you think the APC can win elections in the state?

Let no one deceive you. APC, Anambra State, has the right people, capacity, and will to win any election. Members’ enthusiasm and commitment are high now, and the leadership has a winning mindset. Our people are increasingly coming to terms with the fact that the propaganda about APC in the state is all false. For example, I led the Idemili North/South Federal Constituency campaigns during the last presidential election. We convinced our people to stop the isolationist attitude and join the party at the centre. During the campaigns, for the first time in a long while, people were proud again to campaign with brooms, the party’s symbol. It was, therefore, not surprising that Idemili North/South Federal Constituency gave President Tinubu the highest vote in Anambra State.  People may argue that the votes were not substantial. Still, when you consider the fact that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party is from the state and also from the same Senatorial Zone, Anambra Central, where I hail from, it is significant. Don’t forget that before the advent of PDP and APGA in the state, ACN comfortably won elections. With the crisis bedevilling other parties in Anambra State, APC has the most excellent chance to win the 2025 governorship election. The good thing is that everybody has agreed on this and is working hard to realise the dream. We are confident in our chances and are working tirelessly to make it a reality. APC Anambra State is coming, and we are optimistic about our future.

Will APC field candidates in the upcoming local government elections next month, on September 28?

The party should field candidates if the rules are transparent and fair. However, I am worried that the rules for an election barely one month away are still being amended. I also need more confidence about the level of preparedness of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). I am sure that the party leadership will make its position known at the appropriate time.

What are your thoughts about President Tinubu’s appointments so far? Do you agree with critics that his appointments do not reflect Nigeria’s diversity?

I can’t entirely agree with the critics. Given our recent experience, President Tinubu has been fair in his appointments. As a consummate party man, the President realises the importance of rewarding competence, hard work and loyalty. I believe he has been using these criteria in his appointments. I only get worried when people who were afraid to associate with the party during the presidential election openly now lobby for an appointment. In my view, the President should continue to reward loyalty, hard work and competence.