SEDC: ‘Igbo always hurting themselves’ – Chekwas Okorie
Chief Chekwas Okorie Urges Support for South-East Development Commission
ENUGU — Chief Chekwas Okorie, the founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has called on stakeholders in the South-East region to support the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and to avoid actions that could undermine its efforts.
Okorie’s remarks came during a press conference held on Wednesday in Enugu, where he addressed ongoing controversies regarding the commission’s operations. This follows a recent clash with the Senate Committee overseeing its activities, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
The Senate Committee has raised concerns about the commission’s management, specifically regarding its expenditures on office accommodations and consultancy services.
Okorie emphasized the importance of unity in the South-East, urging the region to refrain from “hurting itself” at a time when developmental initiatives are being launched. “I have been involved in the struggle for the South-East for over 50 years without interruption,” he stated. “I know how much damage we do to ourselves, especially when good things are about to come our way.”
He noted that the establishment of the SEDC by President Bola Tinubu represents a critical advancement in addressing long-standing developmental issues exacerbated by neglect and the civil war’s aftermath. Okorie commended the President for creating the commission and endorsing a clear mandate aimed at driving development in the region.
In addressing the Senate Committee’s concerns, Okorie questioned why these issues surfaced publicly many months after funds had been appropriated for the commission. He asserted that oversight should be conducted responsibly to avoid fostering perceptions of division 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,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Okorie criticized the commission’s communication strategy, stating that insufficient public engagement has led to speculation about its operations. He called on the SEDC to provide regular updates regarding its achievements, challenges, and plans for the funds already allocated.
