From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abia State, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has commended the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill.
Chief Ogbonnaya, who made the commendation at his country home in Umuahia, expressed delight that 53 years after the civil war, there is now a window of opportunity for the real reconstruction of the region, which he said was worst affected by the war.
“I believe this is the first time a concrete step is being taken to address the human catastrophe and degradation suffered by the South East during the war. And the credit goes to Chief Ben Kalu and his courageous colleagues.”
The PDP chieftain noted that the 3R policy of General Yakubu Gowon was on paper, hence, the continued terrible condition of infrastructure in the South East, especially roads.
Chief Ogbonnaya was of the view that the Federal Government of Nigeria has another opportunity to right the wrongs of the past through the South East Development Commission Bill.
“Apart from the commission undertaking the rebuilding of collapsed infrastructure in the South East, it would engender a sense of belonging by the people of the region.
“Through the inspirational leadership of the Deputy Speaker and support of his colleagues from the South East, the Bill is now waiting for the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He urged the Deputy Speaker and all members of House of Representatives from the South East, irrespective of political affiliation, to work in concert to ensure that the bill is assented to expeditiously.
“They should be working together for the interests of Ndigbo. Kalu has provided the needed leadership. They should take it up from there.”
He called for the express assent of the bill by the President so as to accelerate the process of healing and true reintegration.