From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) yesterday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as part of efforts to ensure lasting peace in the South East.
The chairman of the panel, Chris Nkwonta, who made the appeal at the inauguration of the Committee on Wednesday in Abuja, said the security situation in the South East must be addressed for the development of the area.
According to him, “Given the region’s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the South East.”
Nkwonta also lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the SEDC Act, noting that it will help to heal past wounds, especially in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
He said, “The establishment of the South East Development Commission, 54 years after the civil war, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than infrastructural development—it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all.”
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, while inaugurating the committee, said it is part of the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring that the South East receives the much-needed investment and attention for its growth and prosperity.
Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, noted, “The inauguration of this committee is not just a formality. It is the beginning of a renewed effort to unlock the full potential of the South East, a region known for its resilience, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“The role of this committee is to provide legislative oversight, monitor the implementation of policies, and ensure that the commission fulfills its mandate with efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” the speaker said.