The Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the South-East Development Commission Bill.
Igwe Asadu, who made the commendation on Thursday, in Abuja, where he is attending the National Council of Traditional Rulers Summit, described the President’s act as an extension of brotherly love to the people of the South East.
He recalled that the South-East Development Commission Bill has been a lingering decimal in the National Assembly with the past governments being political about signing it into law.
The South East Traditional Rulers Council Chairman maintained that the traditional institution of the South East extraction would never take the President’s gesture of signing the SEDC bill into law for granted.
“We acknowledge that the passage of this bill is only the beginning. We pledge our continued support and collaboration in implementing the goals and aspirations enshrined in the South East Development Council Bill.
“Together, we will build a more dynamic, prosperous, and united Southeast region.
“We therefore most respectfully plead with the President to ensure that the South East Development Commission enjoys proper funding like its counterparts in other geopolitical zones so that it will address the purpose for which it was established.
“SEDC if properly funded will go a long way to mitigating the age-long marginalisation of South-East in the areas of infrastructure, empowerment, employment, among others,” he noted.
Asadu equally commended all the National Assembly lawmakers from the South East geopolitical zone for their dexterous act in ensuring that the bill which has lingered for a long while at the floor of the National Assembly was signed into a law.
The monarch, who is also the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, commended Governor Peter Mbah and his colleague Governors from the South East for providing the enabling support for the actualization of the signing of SEDC bill into law.
“We are proud of you all in your leadership and representation of our people. We expect more laurels from you for our people. Keep speaking up for our people, while on our part will keep praying for you to succeed.
“Your continued efforts in advancing the development of the Southeast region have not gone unnoticed.
“Our special appreciation also goes to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Your leadership in summoning support for the bill on the floor of the House was pivotal. Your commitment to this cause reflects your dedication to the welfare of the people of the Southeast and your vision for a brighter future for our region,” he added.
The Chairman called on the youths and the people of South East geopolitical zone to open their doors for more developmental programmes in the zone and equally be supportive of the government at the center.
SEDC Act: South East Traditional Rulers Council hails Tinubu