Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said that the South East Development Commission will help address over 50 years of neglect of the south-east region when established.

He also said that as part of efforts to restore peace to the South East, plans are to engage the services of Peace Marshals” in all wards in the region.

He spoke while addressing the Abia state caucus and local government executive members of Club 17 Peace Movement set up as a non-governmental organization eager to collaborate with similar organisations that have interests in fostering peace in Abia and South East Geo-political zone in general.

Kalu expressed optimism that when the South East Development Commission is established, it will bring solutions to the problems of Ndi Igbo, orchestrated by the civil War over fifty years ago.

He called for continuous support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, saying that the President has been very supportive and caring towards the plight of the Igbo people.

He said: “I like you people, you have quality men here, I can tell you without mincing words that you people know what you’re doing. I celebrate the power of the mind, the brain. If you’re able to articulate, I respect you more.

“I saw how your executive articulated your position, bringing into play what’s currently happening with the South-East Development Commission, what happened on the 29^th of December PISE-P, the interventions we are making, the jobs we’re creating, appointments we’re bringing down home, my efforts towards releasing our brother Nnamdi Kanu which means that you’re in tune with things happening around you.

“When we succeed with Southeast Development Commission, some people here should play a role. The SEDC will be bringing the solution that we have had for over fifty years, post-civil war. How do we stop this marginalization, how do we develop our place? We are ingenious people, we use little and make it much. I made it clear in that bill, I was very expressive about it.”

Speaking further, he said that the “peace marshals” will be an arm of PISE-P, and will serve as peace preachers and reconciliation officers.

Assuring the group that he’s working very hard at the federal level in collaboration with the state government to attract more federal government projects to Abia.

Earlier, the chairman of Club17 Peace movement, Chief George Nnanna Kalu commended the Deputy Speaker for the good job he’s doing at the parliament, adding that the visit was to notify him of the inauguration of a five-man local government executives in all the 17 Local Governments and mandated them to come up with strategies that will assist to disseminate information of peace in their various areas.

Kalu appealed to the Deputy Speaker to further assist their members in getting federal board and parastatal appointments, and as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, see to the possibility of increasing the number of states in the South East.

He assured the deputy speaker of their support for the creation of state police in Nigeria, adding that the present police structure is not meeting the demands of the people. (The Nation)

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