The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed disappointment over delays in releasing funds for the South-east Development Commission (SEDC) several months after its establishment.
Recalled that In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the SEDC bill into law.
Mr Kalu regretted that since then the Commission was yet to commence operations due to lack of funding.
Mr Kalu said during political paradigm, a Channels Television programme that:
“You know, south-east passed through civil war. Even though the history books are no longer talking much about it, which is not right because we have to learn from history for it not to repeat itself,” he said.
He said failure to implement the plan led to dissatisfaction in the region for decades, making the SEDC an essential tool for healing.
Kalu said the national assembly passed the bill with bi-partisan support, while the president assented to it, appointed a board, and approved a budget.
“Now where we are is implementation; release of funds, which is a general problem,” he said.
“The fund is going to come when others are coming; and in a few days, a few weeks, the agency will have funds to begin to activate the dreams of the region.”
The deputy speaker added that the SEDC would support agriculture, power, infrastructure, technology, and commerce in the south-east, while also addressing insecurity through economic empowerment.
