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How Southeast Senators begged for Zonal Development Commission to scale second reading in Senate
Some Senators from the South East on Thursday begged their colleagues from other zones to consider a bill that will develop their geopolitical zone.
The bill to establish Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) was sponsored by Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah representing Anambra North Senatorial district.
Oduah in her lead debate explained that lamented that the bill which was passed into law in the 8th was not assented by President Muhammadu Buhari.
She said that the South East was one of the most underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure, stating that the SEDC will formulate and implement policies that are in the interest of the people.
She pointed out that the South East region has the worst ecological challenges with attendant gully erosions all over the places, adding that SEDC would serve as intervention agency.
“A bill for an Act to establish the South East Development Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to act as a catalyst to develop the commercial potential of the South East and other connected Matters.”
Amid the intense debate, Senator Michael Nnachi representing Ebonyi South Senatorial district begged while attempting to kneel.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I am begging all of you to support this bill.”
Former governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo North Senatorial district while begging for consideration of the bill reasoned that South East has been marginalised, saying that the creation of the Commission would give them a sense of belonging.
He said: “Igbo people of the Southeast are true Nigerians who could be found working hard in any part of the country.
“I want to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the bill.
According to him, lawmakers from other zones have supported bills that favoured the north irrespective of their political divides.
Okorocha said that the establishment of the Commission will tackle infrastructural deficit and as well engage the youths in productive ventures in the region.
Other Senators from the Southeast argued in favour of the bills.
Senators from other zones also aligned with the bill, stating that “as long as it was about development” , there was a need for the creation of the Commission.
In his remarks, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan said he supported the bill as the Senate leader in the 8th Senate, adding that the bill will ease development in the region.
He referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Establishment to turn in their report in four weeks time.