Jubilation In Senate As Southeast Development Bill Passes 2nd Reading

The much-anticipated South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill has passed second reading on the floor of the Senate.

The debate on the bill was read by one of its sponsors, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. It was not debated, following an appeal made by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu that it should be passed in the spirit of fairness and justice.

When the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, subjected to a voice vote, lawmakers gave a resounding ‘aye’. It was thereafter referred to the Senate committee on Establishment.

The next phase is a public hearing where stakeholders and government officials are expected to make inputs before it will be passed into law.

Saraki, speaking afterwards, said: “The unity and development of a nation go beyond a bill. I want us all to see that we owe the responsibility to ensure the unity of this country.

“We all have that role to play. In doing this as a Senate, we are showing that we are ready to show that we are ready to look at the pros and cons of the issues. But I think the issues go beyond just this bill.

“Distinguished colleagues, as some celebrate for this, we have to do more work. There are people that we are leading and we must go back and play our own role in uniting this country. Having commissions all over the country might not bring the results that we need.”

Before the bill was read for the second time, members of the House of Representatives, drawn from the South East, had already stormed the Senate gallery, in solidarity with their counterparts, to observe a debate on the bill.

Source: Daily Sun