SEDC: Igbo should put house in order — Archbishop, Igbo women

By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Emmanuel Iheaka & Jeff Agbodo

More reactions have continued to trail the scandal that broke out over the expenditure by the South East Development Commission, SEDC.

The Archbishop of Umuahia Methodist Diocese, Chibuzor Opoko, has warned that hope raised by the establishment of the commission should not be dashed, saying its lack of impact after one year risks being seen as political hype.

He criticized the failure to fund the Commission, alleging marginalisation.

The Archbishop added that the manifest neglect of the South East was the reason for the renewed agitation for Biafra. and call for a referendum by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The cleric advised that the SEDC should prioritise rail connectivity, inland waterways, agriculture, and seaport development to drive economic growth and food security.

“If you create a commission like this, it should be funded. Why should our own be different? I have always said it: if you don’t want Igbo, allow them to go their separate way! Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been calling for a referendum because of injustice.

“Why is it that the oil from this region belongs to the federal government, yet nobody accounts for the gold mined in the North? Some people from the North own oil wells here, but nobody from here owns a gold mine there.

“Do they think our children don’t see these injustices? When you suppress their fathers today, tomorrow they may become fierce and decide that enough is enough. So, don’t push people to the wall.”

Setting the agenda for the commission,Archbishop Opoko said: “When the funds begin to come, connect all the states in the South East by rail to boost commerce. Dredge Oguta Lake and Azumini Blue River to give the region access to the sea. Igbo land deserves a seaport.

“They should promote massive agriculture for export and food security. Only those who produce their own food will withstand the global uncertainties ahead.

Similarly, Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), led by its National President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, has expressed scepticism over the true intent of SEDC, citing the continued delay in releasing its take-off funds as validation of IWA’s concerns.

The group accused the APC-led federal government of unfair treatment toward the Igbo, suggesting the commission may be a politically motivated effort to create false hope and strengthen ties with the Southeast. Chimezie noted that many in the region did not fully embrace the SEDC due to poor consultation and exclusion of key stakeholders.
She argued that the commission’s leadership should not be blamed if it remains unfunded, warning that such a situation could fuel internal divisions and pitch the management against the people. Chimezie also questioned the lack of media attention on the funding delay and urged to push for proper financing.
She challenged the federal government to show a genuine commitment by adequately funding the SEDC, stressing that raising expectations without delivery risks deepening frustration in the region.
However, the Igbo elite think tank, The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), called for an in-depth investigation into the alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds in the Commission.
The Secretary General of ADF, Abia Onyike, in his reaction, said that the Commission’s Management should account for the funds allegedly misappropriated.
He said: “The Management of the South East Development Commission should account for the funds allegedly misappropriated. They should be thoroughly interrogated, investigated, and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Mocking the people of the South East for allegations of corruption is neither here nor there. Corruption is rampant in Nigeria, and nothing makes the case of the South East unique. Those found guilty should refund the money and go to jail,” he stated.
Equally, the Igbo National Council, INC, on its own said the leadership of the commission should be sacked if the allegation is proved.
National President of INC, Chilos Godsent, stated that the leadership of the commission does not mean well for the South East and hasn’t carried out any meaningful project.
“The leadership of the commission should be sacked. They have not been able to do any project. You cannot be expending on conferences and consultations.
“If the leadership is not changed, it’s going to be too bad for the South East. The leadership lacks understanding and commitment.
“The North East Development Commission and the Niger Delta Development Commission will be laughing at us.
“The governors and political leaders of the South East have not also done enough in their oversight function on the commission”, he submitted.

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