The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the apex socio-cultural organization of Igbo youths, has expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The council commended the two leaders for their collaboration, describing their relationship as a significant asset to the Igbo people.
In a press briefing held in Owerri on Wednesday, OYC President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, lauded Hon. Kalu’s role in ensuring the passage of the long-awaited SEDC bill, noting that his dedication and patriotism were crucial to the bill’s success.
Igboayaka condemned recent attempts by certain individuals, including Dr. Josef Onoh, the self-acclaimed South East Campaign Spokesman for President Tinubu, to undermine Hon. Kalu’s efforts.
He described Onoh as a “misguided enemy of progress” and accused him of attempting to discredit the Deputy Speaker’s achievements for personal gain.
“There is no such thing as a ‘former spokesman’ for President Tinubu in the South East,” Igboayaka stated, accusing Onoh of lobbying to become the Managing Director of the newly-established SEDC without understanding the commission’s framework.
He criticized Onoh’s approach, saying, “You don’t become the Managing Director by attacking political leaders, especially someone like Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who worked tirelessly to see this bill become law.”
Igboayaka emphasized the importance of recognizing those who introduce and champion bills through to their final passage.
He praised Hon. Kalu for utilizing his influence and strong relationship with President Tinubu to push the bill forward.
The OYC leader also thanked President Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, describing the move as a milestone in ensuring balanced development across the country, particularly in the South East.
“Ndigbo are not ingrates,” Igboayaka remarked. “We deeply appreciate President Tinubu for breaking a 54-year jinx by signing the SEDC bill into law, and we honor Hon. Benjamin Kalu, our illustrious son, for his tireless efforts.”
Drawing historical parallels, Igboayaka compared Kalu’s achievement to the visionary leadership of Dr. M. I. Okpara, whose efforts made the Eastern Region one of the fastest-growing regions between 1953 and 1966.
He expressed optimism that the SEDC would foster similar economic growth and development in the South East.
The OYC further called on President Tinubu to initiate additional developmental programs for the region and urged him to consider the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, through a political solution, echoing Hon. Kalu’s earlier appeals.
“Ndigbo are waiting for another celebration,” Igboayaka added, expressing hope that President Tinubu will heed their call for unity and progress in the region.
