Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun presided over the plenary when the bill was approved.
DAILY POST however reports that debate preceding the approval generated emotion as lawmakers representing the South East geo-political zone and those canvassing for 9th Speakership position seized the opportunity to explain how the zone has been neglected since after the civil war.
In their various contributions, Hon. Eucharia Anazodo (PDP, Anambra) said, “We need this bill to reconstruct and rehabilitate the zone from the civil war”.
Also, Hon. Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta), while speaking on how every part of the South East has been devastated by erosion and destruction caused by the civil war, explained that the commission will help to give the zone a sense of belonging.
The mention of the civil war, however, resulted in a point of order by Hon. Sanni Abdul (APC, Bauchi) who took exception to the reference of the unfortunate civil war and advised that Ossai should stick to the subject matter instead.
But the presiding deputy Speaker intervened as he quickly pointed out that the bill entailed environment under the need to develop the zone.
Lasun said, “There is a chunk of underdevelopment in the South East.
“The passage of this bill will help unite this country. Let us show them that they are part of this country. We should rise above ethnic sentiment and pass this bill.”
Eventually, the bill was passed and subsequently referred to the House committee of the whole for further legislative action.
