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SEDC: Group Slams Joseph Onoh Over Desperate Attempt to Undermine Kalu’s EffortsSEDC: Group Slams Joseph Onoh Over Desperate Attempt to Undermine Kalu’s Efforts

The Coalition of South-East Youths for Democracy (CESYD) has condemned attempts by a certain Dr Josef Onoh to rewrite the history of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
In a press statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Wisdom Akunna Fabulous, the CESYD described Onoh’s claims as “a joke taken too far” and accused him of trying to undermine the contributions of Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
CESYD noted that Onoh’s misadventure were driven by his own failures and frustrations, including his unsuccessful bid to become the MD of the SEDC.
Fabulous praised Kalu for his role in ensuring the passage of the SEDC bill and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing it into law.
“CESYD is aware that the unfortunate selling point of Josef Onoh is his ceaseless social media applications for the post of the MD of the South East Development Commission, a position he believes is his birthright just because he is the son of a former Governor,” the statement said.
“We understand his frustrations and wish he puts his acts together inorder to make more meaningful contributions to the SouthEast and Nigeria in future.
“It is no secret that the Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives has lavished profound gratitude to our President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill. These are researchable and verifiable facts laced with empirical evidences.
“We are however taken aback by the obvious show of hate, spurred by the ‘pull him down syndrome’ which is characteristic of crab mentality, exhibited by our friend, Josef Onoh, who has failed to realize that democracy rests on three arms and it is the job of the legislature to make laws including turning Executive Bills into Laws.
“It is no news that there is an age long sense of marginalization – whether real or imagined (in Ala Igbo), and the birthing of the South East Development Commission is a timely corrective measure to erase this impression. We recall that on Thursday 12 October 2023, the SEDC Bill sponsored by Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, began its journey on the floor of the House of Representatives when it went through its first reading, December 20 2023 was for second reading while presentation/consideration of Report took place on the 21 December with third and final reading taking place same date.
“Effectively, the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, presided over by our son the Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, passed the SEDC Bill and transmitted same to the Senate for concurrence and on February 15 2024, the SEDC Bill went through first reading, on 21 February was for second reading while presentation/consideration took place on the 22 of February 2024. The third and final reading held same date i.e. 22nd February 2024. Conference reports by the House of Representatives was on June 5 while that of the Senate was on June 11 2024. Consequently, this landmark Bill enjoyed Presidential assent on July 23 2024.
“Quite sadly, our friend, Josef Onoh reasons he could exchange cheap popularity for putting his boots on the ground to work. As CESYD, we can only say that Josef Onoh has struggled in vain with his wicked attempt at using his media outings to pitch political stakeholders in Igboland either against themselves severally or particularly against our son, the Deputy Speaker.
“We remind our friend, Josef Onoh and his paymasters of the popular Igbo adage which if translated in English simply means ‘the vulture is not comfortable with the position of the Eagle’ (onodi Ugo adighi egbe nma).”
CESYD warned against attempts to distort history and urged Onoh to focus on making meaningful contributions to the SouthEast and Nigeria.
The group also challenged Onoh to provide evidence of his claims, saying that the passage and signing of the SEDC bill were a matter of public record.
CESYD emphasized that the SEDC was a timely corrective measure to address the marginalization of the SouthEast region and praised Kalu for his leadership and commitment to the region’s development.
The statement added: “We end by saying that we are aware of the indubitable fact that the Deputy Speaker on whose young shoulders, fate and God Almighty has entrusted the leadership of Ala Igbo at the centre by virtue of his position, has managed to proactively put Igbo issues and interest ahead of selfish or parochial interest(s). We challenge naysayers to contradict this fact.
“From all our discreet investigations, we can confirm that Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu holds all Igbo stakeholders in very high esteem and it is most unfortunate that any individual or group would seek to undermine his modest contributions by attempting to blindly rewrite history in exchange for prebendal/ephemeral gains.
“Of note is the fact that the passage and subsequent signing into law of the SouthEast Development Commission bill is a watershed in the business of lawmaking in the 10th National Assembly and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; trying to erase the name of our son the Deputy Speaker from this laudable achievement is an attempt to labour in vain!”
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Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta monarchs ask Tinubu to fire Wike or call him to order

Some traditional rulers from the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to either dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or rein him in to prevent further unrest in Rivers State.
HRM King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, and HRH King-Jerry Prebor of the Meinbutus Federal Communities, Warri, Delta State, made the appeal amid tensions in the oil-rich state and the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
King Prebor, speaking with Vanguard over the phone, urged the president to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate. “Given the current events in Rivers State and the likely outcome, I implore President Tinubu, Wike’s employer, to fire him now or call him to order before things get out of hand,” he said.
Similarly, King Dodo II emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning that Wike’s actions could strain the president’s relationship with the people of Rivers State. “On the present situation in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, the president should call his minister to order. The president should take the matter of Rivers State as a serious issue and act fast on it. He should not become the enemy of the Rivers people because of Wike’s selfish desire,” he stated.
Their concerns come as political tensions and security challenges continue to mount in the region.
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Northern CAN flays ethnic, religious divisions in north

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the North, urging a shift in mindset for regional progress.
Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna attended by CAN chairmen, secretaries, and Christian leaders from across the region, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that these divisions had hindered development and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the need for a new era of love, respect, and partnership to overcome these challenges.
“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase, one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” Hayab stated.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to unity and addressing obstacles to progress while maintaining its role in advocating for truth with love and understanding. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so in a way that fosters peace and unity,” he added.
Leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, commended Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and visionary leader. Several other Christian leaders also paid tribute to him during the event.
Among those present were the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others included the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who also chairs CAN North Central Zone.
Former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye; and many other Christian leaders were also in attendance.
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Ebonyi governor Nwifuru suspends three commissioners

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three members of his cabinet for alleged absenteeism. The affected commissioners—Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development)—were suspended for one month for failing to attend the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, without permission.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting. He stated that Governor Nwifuru had previously warned against absenteeism and laxity among public officials. As a consequence, the suspended commissioners will forfeit all privileges attached to their offices during the suspension period.
Additionally, the governor urged contractors handling state projects to accelerate work in line with contractual agreements, warning that legal action would be taken against any firm failing to meet deadlines.
In another development, the state executive council approved several projects to enhance infrastructure at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo. These include the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic. Okpor noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda by improving the living and working conditions for corps members and staff.
The council also approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store, emphasizing the need to safeguard the ministry’s equipment and consumables.
The council recognized the achievements of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Faculty of Law team, which won the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024. The victorious team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Iteshi, was inducted into the prestigious Ebonyi State Honour Awardees.
Governor Nwifuru commended the team for their exceptional performance, noting that they became the first Nigerian law faculty to win the competition in 33 years. Each awardee received a N5 million cash prize.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, urging Ebonyi State University and other institutions to prioritize practical-based research to produce graduates equipped to solve contemporary challenges.
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