By Ikechukwu Odu
NSUKKA—–A group of intellectuals and professionals under the auspices of Middlebelt Academics and Professionals, MAP, yesterday, declared their support for the bill to establish North Central Development Commission, NCDC.
The group in a statement through the National Coordinator, Dr. David Wayas, in Nsukka, Enugu State, said the Commission would help to rebuild North Central which he claimed has been devastated by inceasant herdsmen attacks , kidnapping and other security challenges.
The group equally commended Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue North-east Senatorial District in the National Assembly for sponsoring the bill. It equally commended the current senate for their support, urging other federal lawmakers and state governments from the zone to ensure that the bill receives the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement reads “It is the right time to make this happen. The bill for the establishment of North Central Development Commission which was recently sponsored by Sen. Abba Moro has received the full backing of the Middlebelt Academics and Professionals,MAP. MAP is most grateful to the current Senate for considering this very important bill.
“North Central has been devastated by insecurity and there is an urgent need to rebuild the zone.
“Despite the abundant solid minerals and Agricultural viability in the North Central Nigeria, incessant herders attacks, banditry, kidnapping destruction of homes/farms and killings have indeed crippled the economy and sociocultural heritage of the good people of the zone.
“We are grateful to Sen. Abba Moro and the current Senate for standing in support of this very important legislative step. The bill was read for the second time after a voice vote. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service matters.
“North Central geopolitical zone has much to contribute to the economy of Nigeria. What we need is to explore and utilise the potentials found in Benue State, Plateau State, Nassarawa State, Kogi State, Kwara State ,Niger State and FCT.
“We need the support of other federal lawmakers and state governments in the region to ensure that the proposed commission come true just like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC). We humbly appeal to Mr. President to make this happen under his watch. It is our believe that NCDC will help restore the dignity of our brothers and sisters within the zone.
“As a group of intellectuals and Professionals founded on the premise of justice, fairness, peace and development, we are happy to call on all concerned parties to give this bill a desirable support.”
