SEDC: ‘Igbo always hurting themselves’ – Chekwas Okorie

The pioneer National Chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, has urged stakeholders in the South-East to support the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, and avoid actions capable of undermining the newly established intervention agency.

Okorie made the appeal on Wednesday in Enugu while reacting to the controversy surrounding the operations of the commission following its recent clash with the Senate Committee overseeing its activities.

DAILY POST recalls that the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, had expressed concerns over the management of the commission, including its expenditure on office accommodation and consultancy services.

Speaking at a press conference, Okorie said the South-East should desist from “hurting itself” at a time when a development institution designed to address the region’s challenges was beginning to take shape.

“I have been involved in the struggle for the South-East for over 50 years without interruption.

“I know how much damage we do to ourselves, especially when good things are about to come our way,” he said.

According to him, the establishment of the commission by President Bola Tinubu marked a significant step towards addressing developmental issues arising from years of neglect and the impact of the Nigerian civil war on the region.

Okorie commended the President for creating the commission and providing it with a clear mandate to drive development in the South-East.

On concerns raised by the Senate Committee, Okorie questioned why the issues were brought into the public domain several months after funds had been appropriated for the commission.

He maintained that oversight responsibilities should be carried out diligently and in a manner that would not create the impression of divisions or ulterior motives within the region.

“Let us stop hurting ourselves. It is too early. After the commission waited for about one year and eight months before receiving funds, six months later the Senate committee suddenly began to raise alarm publicly. Oversight should be carried out diligently and maturely, without creating the impression that there are ulterior motives,” Okorie added.

Okorie, however, criticised the commission’s communication strategy, saying inadequate public engagement had fuelled rumours and speculation about its activities.

He urged the commission to provide regular updates on its achievements, challenges and plans for funds already released.