SEDC to end Southeast marginalisation -Lawmaker

House of Reps member representing Labour Party Abia State, Rep. Ibe Osonwa, says the signing of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into an Act of Parliament by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will end the marginalisation of the region.

Osonwa disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja following the President’s assent to the bill on July 24 which was co-sponsored by him and other lawmakers from the region.

The lawmaker, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia, said that the Southeast region had long been marginalised and neglected.

He, however, said that with the passage of the SEDC bill, “we are one step closer to closing that gap.”

According to him, this will ensure that every citizen of Nigeria has equal access to opportunities and resources.

He said that the SEDC bill was not just about infrastructure development or job creation, but about healing the wounds of the past.

Osonwa added that this would ensure a brighter future for generations to come while urging Nigerians to rally behind SEDC.

“The SEDC bill is not just for the people of the Southeast, it is for all Nigerians who believe in equality, justice, and progress.

“The signing of the bill is a clear message that we are a united and inclusive nation, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

He commended the President for his unwavering support in the accentuation of the bill for the development of the Southeast region.

He said, “This initiative, championed by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, and co-sponsored by me is a crucial step toward the reconciliation and redevelopment of the Southeast region.

“As a proud co-sponsor of this bill, I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment that will surely bring about positive change.’’

He said that the bill, now an Act of Parliament, would create the much-needed opportunities for the people of the Southeast.

NAN