Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the people of the South-East not to participate in the upcoming anti-government protests. This plea follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill.
Kalu highlighted that President Tinubu is dedicated to addressing past grievances, as the new law aims to resolve ecological and environmental issues, and repair infrastructure damaged during the civil war in the South-East.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the capital city, Kalu made a heartfelt appeal to his fellow South-Easterners, asking them to refrain from joining the planned protests.
He emphasized that the signing of the SEDC bill should be seen as a sign of President Tinubu’s commitment to healing historical wounds and addressing concerns about the marginalization of the South-East. Kalu urged the community to embrace this opportunity for unity and progress, rather than opting for division and unrest.
Kalu also called on all Nigerians to reject the calls for protest and instead place their trust in the government’s ongoing reforms. He assured that these reforms, although time-consuming, will eventually lead to significant positive changes, such as reversing inflation, stabilizing the economy, and creating widespread employment through industrialization. The efforts of organizations like the SEDC are expected to play a crucial role in driving these developments.