The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has emphasised that it would monitor the South East Development Commission (SEDC) activities to ensure that the agency focuses on its mandate of rendering selfless services to the citizenry.
This is even as the group stressed supervising the SEDC for optimal productivity, aimed at redirecting their footsteps and ensuring that it does not become another conduit pipe for politicians and their supporters to siphon public funds.
The national president of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, made this known while addressing journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Chief Diwe revealed that the group would establish a mechanism to ensure its presence within the organisation and adherence to the founding principles and the Act establishing the Commission.
He said establishing SEDC marked a critical milestone in pursuing accelerated development and transformation of Igbo land, highlighting that the Commission must urgently address the obvious challenges confronting the Southeast.
Chief Diwe urged all stakeholders to monitor the commission, stressing that, as town unions, they would remain focused and resolute in building Igbo land that reflects the will and aspirations of their founding fathers and ensures a brighter future for future generations.
He said, “The South East is a region still grappling with the aftermath of the 30-month civil war that left an indelible mark of destruction, death, and economic ravage. Decades later, the scares of that tragic conflict remain visible in our underdeveloped infrastructure, weakened social institutions, and persistent economic challenges.
“For this reason, SEDC has a moral and legal obligation to address these gaps holistically, ensuring that its mandate serves the collective interests of Ndigbo and contributes meaningfully to the socioeconomic revitalisation of our homeland.
“Historically, the resilience and ingenuity of Igbo communities have been the bedrock of our progress.
Since the war, much of the development in Igbo land has been driven by town unions through the self-help approach. These unions have spearheaded the construction of schools, health centres, roads, and water projects, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilisation and community spirit of the Igbo.
His words, “As a result, ASITU insists that SEDC must align with the exemplary legacy of the town unions by prioritising transparency, accountability, and impactful programmes that address the real needs of the people, especially those at the grassroots.
“The stance of ASITU against any form of malfeasance in the commission is a reflection of our determination to protect the developmental aspirations of our people. If any individual or group within the SEDC deviates from its mandate to engage in corruption or wasteful practices, ASITU will not hesitate to expose such actions and demand accountability. Igbo people have endured too much to allow the derailment of any initiative tailored towards our collective well-being.
“Beyond infrastructure, SEDC must prioritise rebuilding the social institutions and value systems disrupted by the war. The erosion of trust, communal values, and cultural heritage continues to undermine the potential of our society. We urge the commission to also invest in programmes that promote education, skills acquisition, ethical leadership, and cultural preservation. These are critical pillars for fostering a sense of identity, purpose, and collective progress,” Diwe stated.
The organisation reiterated its request to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to queue into the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’- home investment mantra, highlighting that the town unions were ready to collaborate with individuals, corporate bodies, and international organisations to realise this noble vision and mission of building an egalitarian society.
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