Rep. Sam Onuigbo on Friday described peace amongst the people, and genuine non-partisan collaboration amongst the political leaders of the region as  the most effective path to the overall development of the South-East  


Onuigbo who serves on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) as the representative of the South-East and Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions, stated this during a simulcast on Flo FM, Family Love FM, Magic FM and Real FM


Commending the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) initiated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Rep. Onuigbo recalled that prior to the civil war, the South-East region was one of the fastest growing economies in the world and said that this is achievable if peace is embraced and harmonious collaboration established. 


He commended President Tinubu GCFR for his genuine commitment towards peace and progress in the South-East Geopolitical Zone by unveiling the Peace In the South-East Project.


Responding to a question on rating the achievements of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti OFR, since he came to power, the former National lawmaker said his experience with Otti is that the governor is fully committed to driving the development of Abia State, and is not myopic or sentimental to embrace ideas from other leaders irrespective of political affiliations. He cited the ongoing dualization of the Ossah-Okpara Square, and the Governor’s provision of compensation for landowners to  fast track the commencement of the building of a Federal Secretariat in Abia (which Rep Onuigbo attracted but commencement was stalled for over four years by the previous state administration) as important examples.


Rep. Onuigbo who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act talked about the climate crisis and its impacts on communities such as reduced agricultural yields, erosion, heat waves, etc., stating that everything about climate change intersects with our development. He added that he is seriously working to see how to leverage community-led innovations to address climate change and impact the people’s growth sustainably.


The simulcast presented an opportunity for Rep. Onuigbo to react to his many achievements in 2023 including his recognition as one of 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change; recognition by the House of Representatives through the Speaker as a worthy Ambassador of the House of Representatives during plenary on 28 November 2023; his appointment as Member (South East) Governing Board of the North East Development Commission(NEDC); induction as the Most Valuable Parliamentarian of the 9th Assembly; among others.