Southeast Development Commission bill passes second reading in Senate

The bill to establish Southeast Development Commission sponsored by Senator Stella Oduah (PDP) Anambra North Senatorial district and Samuel Anyanwu (PDP), Imo East Senatorial district passed second reading on Wednesday.

The bill which was first introduced on 26th June, 2016, is to serve as a catalyst to develop the commercial potentials of the Southeast.

Samuel Anyanwu further explained that the funding would come from the affected States and not the Federal government, while urging the Senate to consider the bill.

“I hereby proposed a bill for an act to establish the Southeast Development Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to act as a catalyst for development of the zone,” he said.

Sensing that the bill would generate controversy, the Senate President did not, however allow debate which afforded opportunity for expression of opinion as is the tradition.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu expressed that he couched on the cooperation of colleagues to pass the bill, suggesting that the bill had been pre-designed for a positive outcome.

Though, the Senate had earlier adopted that the session would not sit beyond 2.00pm, the bill was, however, debated after agreed time.

The bill was immediately put to voice vote after its introduction and it was passed.

It was referred to the Committee on establishment to revert to the Committee of the whole in four weeks.

It would be recalled that the bill generated controversy on Thursday last week as it was rejected in the House of Representatives.

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