Praising the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, a civil society group known as the League of Igbo Youth Lawyers expressed appreciation for his role in the passage of the bill for establishing the South East Development Commission. The bill received assent from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Wednesday.
In a statement released in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, and signed by the National Secretary, Obinnaya Asiegbu, the group acknowledged the landmark achievement of the SEDC. The group highlighted that the bill, championed by Kalu who represents Bende federal constituency in the House of Representatives, sets him apart for his service to the Ndi Igbo community.
The group’s President, Stanley Okafor, affirmed a commitment to enhancing collaboration with the South-East caucus of the National Assembly to address developmental issues affecting the region in a practical manner.
On a different note, Okafor distanced the group and its members from the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, arguing that Igbo youths currently lack valid reasons for protest due to the inadequate integration of Igbos into the national socio-political structure.
He emphasized, “We will strive to keep Igbo youths away from the planned protests to avoid the usual backlash against our community.
“Let other regions take the lead in expressing grievances if they wish, while we focus on engaging with the government for rightful actions, including the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu.”