By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action in facilitating the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The committee chairman, Rep. Hris Nkwonta, who stated this at its inaugural meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, said this was a crucial step toward fostering lasting peace and progress in the region.

Rep. Nkwonta emphasised the persistent security challenges in the Southeast, and the urgent need for resolution.

He said: “The continued detention of Kanu has fueled tensions, deepened grievances, and hindered the region’s stability”.

Rep. Nkwonta stated that the SEDC was established to address developmental disparities in the region, adding that sustainable progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity.

He linked the Commission’s creation to the federal government’s broader agenda of Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR), which is aimed at healing historical wounds, in particular those from the Nigerian Civil War.

“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,” he added.

The chairman further noted that despite the Southeast’s entrepreneurial resilience, the region continues to grapple with challenges such as infrastructural decay, economic underdevelopment, poor healthcare services, human capital flight, and escalating insecurity.

He argued that Kanu’s detention remains a key factor in the unrest, discouraging investments and impeding development efforts, and urged the federal government to prioritize dialogue over prolonged legal confrontations, stressing that national unity requires political will and decisive action.

While reaffirming the committee’s oversight role, the Committee Chairman assured that the SEDC would focus on impactful, long-term projects rather than short-lived initiatives. He pledged to uphold accountability and transparency in all Commission activities.

Nkwonta therefore called on President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by initiating the process for Kanu’s release and reintegration into society.

“Together, let us seize this opportunity to make history. Let us transform challenges into opportunities and build a South East region that is not only resilient but also thriving and prosperous,” he stated.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, in his iinaugural speech, described the SEDC as a critical step toward addressing the Southeast’s developmental needs.

Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas eemphasised he committee’s role in driving investment and strategic initiatives for the region’s advancement.

“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 Southeast, a region known for its resilience, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit,” he stated.

He noted that the Commission was created in response to long-standing issues such as gully erosion, infrastructural decline, economic stagnation, youth unemployment, and security challenges.

According to him, the Commission will serve as a vehicle for recovery, modernization, and economic revitalization, positioning the Southeast as a hub for innovation, commerce, and industrial growth.

“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,” Abbas added.

Acknowledging the Southeast’s historical significance as a center of trade, education, and enterprise, he lamented its struggles with inadequate infrastructure, minimal federal presence, and restricted access to development opportunities.

He urged the committee to prioritize infrastructure, industrial growth, human capital development, and security enhancement.

“This is not just about policy monitoring; it is also about improving the lives of millions of people who look to us for leadership and solutions,” he said.

Speaker Abbas charged members of the committee to approach their responsibilities with dedication and patriotism, stressing that their performance would shape the Commission’s legacy.

“The foundation you lay, and the impact you make, will be a significant stamp in the annals of the history of the Commission.

“Development is not about politics. It is about people. We must ensure that every policy, every project, and every decision taken by the commission serves the greater good of the region and contributes to national development,” he said.

The Speaker assured the committee of full support from his office and the House of Representatives, pledging collaboration to ensure the Commission meets its objectives and serves as a model for regional growth.

“This is our opportunity to turn aspirations into realities, to uplift communities, and to build a Southeast that is prosperous, stable, and thriving for generations to come,” he said.

“May your efforts bring about meaningful progress, and may this initiative serve as a lasting legacy in our shared vision for a stronger and more united Nigeria,” he asserted.