Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze has praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to address the grievances of the South-East region, citing recent initiatives such as the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the promise to complete the eastern rail line, and support for the Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority as evidence of his dedication to Ndigbo.

Speaking to reporters at his Enugu residence over the weekend, Prince Eze highlighted Tinubu’s willingness to integrate the South-East into mainstream Nigerian politics despite the region’s lack of electoral support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.

“We need to thank the President for his concerns towards addressing the infrastructure gaps in the South-East region,” Eze said. “Remember, we have clamoured for the South-East Development Commission since the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war without success. It is only Tinubu that has demonstrated his love for us by establishing this commission. That commission will solve our problem.”

Eze noted that the commission, headquartered in Enugu, is expected to create job opportunities and address security challenges in the region. He also applauded the President’s strategic appointments, including Mike Okoye from Anambra State as the Managing Director of the SEDC, with representatives from Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states.

Addressing the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eze absolved Tinubu of responsibility, attributing Kanu’s ordeal to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“Kanu was detained by Muhammadu Buhari, not Tinubu. Buhari is a hardliner. But we shall appeal to Tinubu to forgive him. He has the spirit of forgiveness. He has no enemy,” Eze stated.

Meanwhile, as preparations for the SEDC’s operations progress, indigenes and residents of the South-East have expressed confidence in the commission’s leadership. They believe the initiative, signed into law by Tinubu a few months ago, will address the region’s infrastructural and human development needs, alleviating long-standing cries of marginalization.

The SEDC is poised to tackle issues affecting Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, ensuring meaningful development and a brighter future for the region.