Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As the tenth National Assembly prepares to mark the first anniversary of its inauguration on June 13, the Founder, Gregory University Uturu, Professor Gregory Ibe, has scored members of the South-East Caucus of the House of Representatives high, describing them as true ambassadors of the region.
Professor Ibe who gave an assessment of the performance of members of the caucus in their first legislative year, commended them for sponsoring what he described as “uniquely special bills that are critical to the aspirations of our people, as a means of addressing the negative consequences of many years of political exclusion and unjust marginalisation.”
He particularly lauded the South-East Caucus for championing the establishment of South-East Development Commission, release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and creation of Etiti State, in order to bring the zone at par with other regions.
In a statement by his Media Aide, Rev. Sleek Ogwo, the 2023 APGA governorship candidate for Abia State said: “It is worthy to place on record that the gallant efforts of members of the Caucus led to the passage of the South East Development Commission bill, an initiative that will certainly propel faster transformation of our region.
“I also recognise and appreciate the laudable efforts of some honourable members of the caucus aimed at adopting a political solution in achieving the release of our brother Nnamdi Kanu.”
“Finally, the icing on the cake is the recent motion sponsored by some members of the caucus for the creation of Etiti State. Being a project that the South-East Delegation of the 2014 National Conference under the leadership of Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.) championed, in my capacity as consultant to the delegation I have since 2014 passionately fought for the realisation of Etiti State.
“I am glad that the vision we birthed is now being given legislative attention through the gallant efforts of some members of the caucus. Going forward, I want to appeal to all stakeholders within our region to support this move by joining forces with our Representatives in a bid to realise an additional equalising state within the zone, that will be created by equitably annexing local government councils from each of the present five states that constitute the South-East and that is a central state called Etiti.”
Prof Ibe therefore encouraged the caucus not to relent in their legislative duties and subsequent oversight functions, promising to partner them in achieving speedy development of the region.
