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Kalu Urges SEDC Management To Put Partnership, Development Above Politics

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…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.
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SAD! Angry fan k!lls female influencer during live stream

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Tokyo police are investigating the tragic killing of a 22-year-old female influencer who was fatally stabbed during a live stream on a public street.

The horrifying incident, which unfolded in real time, left viewers in shock as they witnessed the attack before the screen went dark.

According to local media reports on Wednesday, the suspect, a 42-year-old man believed to be a longtime follower of the influencer, was arrested at the scene. Investigators found multiple stab wounds on the victim’s body, including injuries to her head and neck.

Eyewitnesses reported that the influencer was engaging with her audience when she suddenly screamed for help. Moments later, sirens could be heard in the background as emergency responders arrived.

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Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect had been following the influencer’s content for years and may have deliberately tracked her movements based on details she shared about the live-stream. Authorities believe the attack was premeditated.

The suspect reportedly claimed that he had lent the influencer two million yen (approximately $13,450) but had not been repaid. Police are currently verifying his claims as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are urging social media users to exercise caution regarding their online interactions and personal security.

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Security operatives chase away thugs from PDP HQ amid leadership crisis

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Operatives of the Police, Department of State Service, and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, on Wednesday, cleared thugs from the Peoples Democratic Party’s headquarters in Abuja.

A party source, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to fear of victimisation, revealed to The PUNCH on Wednesday that the thugs were reportedly recruited to block members of the National Working Committee from entering the party headquarters for their meetings.

The crisis within the PDP has deeply affected all party organs, with recent developments seeing Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye both claiming the position of PDP National Secretary.

While the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary, Anyanwu took the matter to the Supreme Court.

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As a result, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on Monday, with the date to be communicated to the parties involved.

“The party staff, with the support of security personnel, confronted the thugs and dispersed them,” the source said.

At the party’s national headquarters, a reporter from The PUNCH noticed a heavy presence of security personnel.

Around six Nigeria Police, DSS, and NSCDC vans were stationed near Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

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The Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is currently leading the NWC meeting, with Ude-Okoye attending as the National Secretary.

Details shortly…

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Authentic Lawmakers Resume Sitting At Rivers Assembly After Shutting Out Governor Fubara From Presenting 2025 Budget

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The Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday resumed plenary amid reports that lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, blocked Governor Siminalayi Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget.

A video seen by an online medium showed the lawmakers already seated inside the chamber while Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other officials carrying the mace made their way into the hall.

The development follows an earlier dramatic standoff at the Assembly complex, where Fubara accused the legislators of locking the gates to prevent him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

SaharaReporters had reported that the governor, who arrived at the Assembly complex early in the morning, expressed frustration over the situation.

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He stated that he had made multiple attempts to reach Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers before his arrival.

“I have made several attempts—by phone calls and through official letters—to reach the speaker and other members. But it is unfortunate that the gate is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today,” Fubara had said.

He added that the budget presentation was crucial for the state’s development, warning that failure to pass the appropriation bill would disrupt governance and slow ongoing projects.

A video of the incident, shared by a Facebook user, Prince Yemi Itodo, showed the Assembly complex under lock and key, with security operatives reportedly ordered to vacate the premises.

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“The implication is that the state will be run without a budget, which will slow development and lead to financial irregularities,” he wrote.

The blockade is the latest escalation in the ongoing political battle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, whose loyalists dominate the Assembly.

The crisis has also drawn the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who recently urged both sides to implement a Supreme Court-backed political agreement aimed at resolving the dispute.

Despite Tinubu’s intervention and Fubara’s call for dialogue, Wednesday’s sitting suggests the battle for control of the Rivers State government is far from over.

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