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How Not to Run the South East Development Commission

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When the Federal Government established the South East Development Commission (SEDC), it was meant to correct decades of infrastructure deficit and economic neglect in one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant regions. For many people in the South-East, the Commission represented more than another government agency. It symbolised recognition, inclusion and a fresh opportunity to rebuild roads, support industries, improve schools and hospitals, empower young people and unlock the region’s enormous economic potential.

Unfortunately, the Commission has entered the national spotlight for the wrong reasons. Recent allegations of questionable expenditure and possible financial mismanagement, now the subject of legislative scrutiny, have cast a shadow over an institution that has barely begun its work. Whether the allegations are eventually substantiated or dismissed, the damage to public confidence is already significant. It is a reminder that public institutions lose credibility far more quickly than they earn it.

The Senate committee investigating the mishandling of N16.6 billion appropriation for SEDC in 2025, chaired by Senator by Orji Uzor Kalu, has quizzed the Managing Director of the commission, Mark Okoye, over the spending of N3.6 billion without clear explanation and documentation.

The lawmakers were piqued by reports that the commission allegedly spent N153 million to rent a one-room liaison office in Abuja and another N2.5 billion listed under what was described as “implied expenditure.” The committee described the financial report submitted by the agency as unacceptable and demanded comprehensive documentation of all expenditures, contracts and payment records.

Expectedly, the development has generated mixed reactions across the country. Some Nigerians see the Senate action as a genuine attempt to prevent another intervention agency from becoming a drain pipe. Others believe it may simply be another political drama in a country where probes often end without consequences. Yet, beyond the politics and public perception, the issues raised are serious enough to deserve national attention.

The SEDC is not an ordinary agency. It was established to address decades of infrastructural neglect, erosion devastation, economic dislocation, insecurity and post-war developmental imbalance in the South-East. The commission carries the burden of rebuilding public confidence in federal presence within the region. This is why every kobo allocated to it must be transparently managed.

The SEDC cannot afford to become another chapter in Nigeria’s long history of intervention agencies that begin with noble intentions but gradually become known more for controversies than for development.

That would be a costly betrayal of the people it was created to serve.

The Senate’s decision to scrutinise the Commission’s financial activities should therefore not be viewed as political persecution. It is a constitutional duty. The National Assembly appropriates public funds and is equally empowered to ensure that such funds are lawfully and prudently spent.

Their concerns deserve careful attention—not because allegations automatically establish guilt, but because accountability is the foundation of public administration.

However, the Commission and every official connected with the allegations deserve fair hearing. At the same time, Nigerians deserve complete transparency. Both principles can exist together.

The SEDC was not created to consume public funds. It was created to transform lives.

Regional development commissions have become important instruments of national development in Nigeria. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), established in 2000, sought to address environmental degradation and infrastructure challenges in the oil-producing region of the Niger Delta. Later came the North East Development Commission to coordinate reconstruction after years of insurgency.

More recently, the Federal Government created the North West Development Commission, the South West Development Commission, the South South Development Commission and the SEDC to ensure more balanced regional development.

History has repeatedly shown that development agencies rarely fail because of lack of money. They fail because of weak governance, corruption, lack of transparency and accountability.

Every fiscal year, regional development commissions receive substantial appropriations running into hundreds of billions of naira. Those allocations are justified because the developmental needs are enormous. The South-East requires improved federal roads, erosion control, industrial parks, power infrastructure, modern markets, agricultural processing centres, healthcare facilities and support for innovation and manufacturing.

The region certainly does not require another bureaucracy that spends heavily on administration while projects remain on paper. One of the recurring weaknesses in Nigeria’s public institutions is the confusion between budget approval and project delivery. Budgets are celebrated with fanfare. Actual implementation receives far less attention. Citizens often hear impressive figures but struggle to identify corresponding projects.

That culture must end.

Development should never be measured by the amount appropriated but by the number of roads completed, factories established, hospitals equipped, schools rehabilitated and jobs created.

The ongoing controversy also raises broader questions about public procurement.

Were contracts competitively awarded?

Were due process procedures followed?

Did expenditure comply with existing financial regulations?

Were projects properly evaluated before funds were released?

Were independent monitoring mechanisms activated?

These are not political questions. They are governance questions.

The answers will determine whether the Commission remains worthy of public trust.

International experience provides useful guidance. Successful regional development agencies in countries such as Germany, South Korea, Canada and Malaysia operate under strict procurement rules, transparent budgeting and measurable performance indicators. Citizens can monitor project locations, contract values, implementation stages and completion timelines. Independent auditors examine financial records while legislative committees conduct regular—not occasional—oversight.

Transparency is not treated as a favour to the public. It is recognised as a legal obligation. Nigeria’s development commissions should embrace similar standards.

We, at Disclosure News, therefore demand that the SEDC should immediately publish comprehensive details of all expenditure and contracts awarded, if any.

Its governing board should establish an independent audit committee with real authority to question expenditure before problems escalate into scandals.

Technology also offers practical solutions. Every project should carry a digital identity that allows citizens to track progress online.

The South-East has waited decades for a development institution dedicated to its unique challenges. The Commission should become a catalyst for industrial expansion, agricultural transformation, innovation, commerce and infrastructure renewal. It should attract investors, create employment and strengthen regional competitiveness.

That vision is far too important to be undermined by avoidable governance failures.

The present controversy should therefore become a turning point rather than another missed opportunity. If investigations reveal procedural weaknesses, they must be corrected. If financial misconduct is established, those responsible should face the full consequences of the law. If the allegations prove unfounded, the Commission should still emerge with stronger accountability systems than before.

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Osun guber: APC senator recants, says “I meant kill Accord with votes, not violence” — 

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Few hours after his viral video generated criticisms and reaction over his charge on his supporters to “kill” any member of Accord Party who is seen in Ilesha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the lawmaker representing the Osun East Senatorial District, recanted his statement ,  and clarified the intention behind his  ‘Kill Accord’ comment 

The APC senator was seen In the video, speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking members of the All Progressives Congress, he therefore urged the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.

He was also seen daring those present to record his remarks and share them on social media, while reportedly addressing APC supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The video however attracted serious criticism and condemnation after all the 13 participating political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord ahead of the August 15 election, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly incitng violence 

But in a swift  reaction, through a statement by his media office,, titled ‘Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,’ the senator said his viral comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement added.

It noted that the comment didn’t portray the lawmaker as an advocate of violence against any member of the public or political party.

“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.

“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.

“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.

“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,” the statement concluded.

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Kebbi govt spends over N16 Billion on retirement, death benefits – Gov. Idris

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Our Reporter 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023.

The Governor made this known on Thursday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ Rights Summit, held to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the legalization of trade unionism in Nigeria (1938–2026). The event took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.

Governor Idris stated that, in line with his administration’s strategic plan for sustainable economic growth, numerous transformative projects have been executed across the state.

“These monumental achievements, alongside many other reforms still in the pipeline, are a testament to the deep commitment of this administration to the dignity and well-being of every worker in Kebbi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and appealed for the continued support and cooperation of the people to ensure the success of his government.

The Governor emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the entire workforce.

“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders—including trade unions, civil society organizations, and the organized private sector—to enhance the welfare, safety, and protection of workers’ rights,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and State Head of the Civil Service, Tpl. Mallam Shekare mni, highlighted the achievements of the Kauran Gwandu administration, particularly its commitment to workers’ welfare. He noted that more than ₦16 billion had been expended on retirement and death benefits from May 2023 to date.

The Head of Service commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support for civil servants, citing the construction and furnishing of the ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and other welfare initiatives.

In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended Governor Idris for the remarkable achievements recorded within three years in office. He said the summit was aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and promoting good governance.

He urged participants to emulate the Governor’s commitment to building a better future for workers.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, applauded Governor Idris for delivering over 80 percent of his campaign promises. He also commended the organizers for hosting the summit.

He encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties and disclosed that the NLC was working towards a review of the national minimum wage through continued engagement with the Federal Government.

Comrade Amba further thanked the Nigerian Bar Association and the Human Rights Institute for organizing the summit, describing it as a strategic gathering focused on labour, social justice, and democracy at a critical time in the nation’s history.

The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umaru Abubakar, also commended the theme of the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.

He stated that the government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to improve workers’ welfare, noting that the dedication of the state’s civil servants has been instrumental to the success of the present administration.

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Tinubu qualified to run for president despite certificate submitted – APC Ex-Legal APC Adviser, Ogala

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By Umar Musa

A former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Babatunde Ogala, on Thursday insisted that President Bola Tinubu is qualified to run for the presidency in 2027.

Ogala said Tinubu is qualified by virtue of his age and the fact that he is a Nigerian.

He made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s qualifications.

Tinubu did not submit his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This has led to widespread controversy among Nigerians.

However, Ogala said: “What does the Constitution say about qualification for office? Because I hear things like: Who are his parents? Who is his father? Who is his mother? Who is his sister? And who is his brother?

“Is he a Nigerian? The answer is yes, unless otherwise proven or determined through a judicial process. Is Tinubu qualified to run for the presidency age-wise? The answer is yes, by constitutional provisions.

“Does he have the minimum educational qualification as prescribed by the Constitution, which says educated up to School Certificate level, interpreted to mean Primary Six and the ability to read and write?

“The man says, ‘I have a degree.’ Babatunde Ogala is sitting here. I’m a Senior Advocate, and you are asking me to prove if I’m a lawyer. You want to know which primary and secondary schools I attended, where I did my A-Levels, and all of that.”

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