News

Kalu Urges SEDC Management To Put Partnership, Development Above Politics

Published

3 days ago

March 10, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…call for transparency in utilisation of funds

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called for the need of partnership and collaboration over politics for the success of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Kalu also urged the management team of the commission to prioritise collective effort, driven by the values of hard work, integrity, and communal progress.

Speaking at a reception for the board of the SEDC and stakeholders engagement hosted by Prince Arthur Eze, the Chairman of Oranto Petroleum in Enugu to round off the visit of the management team in the region over the weekend, the Deputy Speaker noted that the commission’s ultimate goal is to drive growth and development in the region.

Kalu who was represented by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Hon. George Ozodinobi stressed that the commission’s success relies on partnership, not politics, and encouraged collaboration across various sectors, including the private sector, diaspora, villages, cities, traditional institutions, and government.

He said: “The South East Development Commission is not just another institution; it is the engine room of renewal, the architect of a modern South East that matches our spirit of enterprise with the necessary infrastructure and support. It will rebuild what was broken, ignite industries, empower our youth, and give new life to the creative and technological prowess that has always defined us.

“We must remember that a river that forgets its source will soon run dry. As we embrace development, let us remain anchored in our values—hard work, integrity, and communal progress. The greatness of a people is not measured by the wealth of individuals but by the prosperity of the many. That is why this commission is not just for the elite, the politically connected, or the privileged. It is for the trader in Ariaria, the farmer in Abakaliki, the artisan in Nnewi, the startup innovator in Enugu, and the student in Owerri who dreams of a future where talent—not location—determines success.

“An Igbo proverb says there is strength in numbers. If the fingers of one hand come together, they form a mighty fist. Our strength has always been in our collective resolve. The Commission will not thrive on politics; it will thrive on partnership. From the private sector to the diaspora, from the villages to the cities, from the traditional institutions to the halls of government, we must stand together. This is not the time for division—it is the time for alignment”.

Kalu also charged the SEDC Board and the management team to utilize allocated funds wisely, ensuring transparency and projects that positively impact ordinary people’s lives.

“We must remain steadfast, ensuring that this commission delivers on its promise, that funds are used transparently, and that projects touch the lives of ordinary people”, he said.

Noting the tortuous legislative journey of the billl at the national assemby, Kalu however expressed gratitude to his colleagues as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill that established the commission, ultimately fulfilling the promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation made to Ndi Igbo by the Gowon led federal government over 50 years ago.

“The journey to this moment was not without its trials, but history is always shaped by those who dare to persist. Along with my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives, I championed the South East Development Commission Bill—not as a mere legislative exercise, but as a moral imperative to address long-standing infrastructural deficits, economic stagnation, and the wounds of history that have yet to fully heal. It was a journey of debate, negotiation, and unwavering advocacy.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose assent to this bill demonstrates his deep understanding of governance as a tool for national unity and progress. In signing this bill into law, he has not only affirmed his commitment to equity but has also fulfilled, in tangible terms, the long-standing promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (the 3Rs) made by General Yakubu Gowon over five decades ago. This is the mark of true leadership—one that listens, understands, and acts decisively in the interest of all Nigerians. Today, the South East is not just seen, but heard. Not just acknowledged, but empowered. And for that, Mr. President, we say thank you”, Kalu said.

News

Tinubu nominates Melvin Ayogu to CBN board, requests Senate approval

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Melvin Ayogu to the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria and has sought Senate confirmation for the appointment.

The Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this in a statement on Wednesday.

Tinubu also sought Senate confirmation for Nwakuche Ndidi as controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He said the requests, conveyed in letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were read during Tuesday’s plenary.

Tinubu had previously nominated Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Murtala Sagaley, Urom Eke, and Olayinka Aliyu to the CBN board in February 2024.

However, on February 29, 2024, the senate confirmed four people as members of the board of the CBN after Eke rejected the offer, citing “conflict of interest”.

Tinubu replaced Eke with Ruby Onwudiwe on March 13, 2024; however, a day after, reports circulated that the president withdrew her nomination over political affiliation with the Labour Party, an opposition of the All Progressives Congress.

The decision reportedly followed pressure mounted on the president by members of the APC, as Onwudiwe publicly supported Peter Obi, who contested on the LP platform against Tinubu, at the 2023 presidential elections.

News

LSHA crisis: Tinubu meets Obasa, Meranda at Presidential Villa

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Naijablitznews

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived the State House, Abuja, to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The legislators who arrived in two coaster buses had been allowed into the President’s office area to wait for the meeting.

Both the reinstated Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, and the ousted one, Hon Mojisola Miranda, were also sighted in the team.

While Meranda arrived with her colleagues at some minutes past 2pm, Obasa arrived separately at about 2:50pm.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

It would be recalled that Hon. Obasa was impeached as Speaker by a majority of his colleagues, but he was latter reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governor’s Advisory Council, (GAC)

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

The Nation

News

Fubara’s Letter To Rivers Assembly Over S’Court Verdict Is ‘Useless’-Wike declares

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has discribed as “useless” the letter sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Rivers State House of Assembly, requesting a meeting regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s political matters.

During a conversation with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, voiced his disapproval, emphasizing that Speaker Martins Amaewhule and other members of the Rivers Assembly are independent individuals who deserve respect.

Wike argued that instead of issuing a public letter to invite the lawmakers, Fubara should have contacted Amaewhule and his team directly by phone to schedule a private meeting at a convenient time.