IPOB Warns Of Consequences If N250Billion South East Development Commission Fund Is Misappropriated
IPOB emphasised that the region is in dire need of critical infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, improved healthcare facilities, electricity generation projects, free trade zones, industrial parks, and human capital investment.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to key political figures overseeing the newly created South East Development Commission (SEDC), cautioning against the mismanagement or embezzlement of the N250 billion allocated for regional development.
The statement, released by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, calls for full accountability in the administration of the funds.
According to IPOB, the funds must be used for the genuine development of the South East and not be siphoned off by politicians. The SEDC is chaired by Dr. Emeka Nworgu and supervised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State and current Senate Committee Chairman overseeing the commission.
The statement read, “The attention of the noble family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide has been drawn to the purported sum of 250 billion Naira appropriated for the newly created South East Development Commission (SEDC) under the Chairmanship of Dr. Emeka Nworgu and supervised by the former Governor of Abia State Senator Orji Uzoh Kalu, who is the Senate Committee Chairman of the Commission.
“If this information is true, we wish to warn Senator Orji Uzoh Kalu and those handling this money to ensure that the money is not shared among individuals but should be utilised in the development of Alaigbo. The money is meant to initiate and complete developmental programs and projects in the region.”
IPOB emphasised that the region is in dire need of critical infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, improved healthcare facilities, electricity generation projects, free trade zones, industrial parks, and human capital investment.
“The commission must also focus on building functional seaports and international airports. Although we understand that the allocated funds may not be sufficient to complete such projects in one year, the yearly accrued money must be used judiciously,” it said.
The pro-Biafra group also warned against wasteful spending on unnecessary seminars, foreign trips, and conferences while the South East continues to struggle with underdevelopment.
It said, “We are aware that the money won’t build an airport or seaport, but it is a yearly accrued fund. Therefore, they must utilise the money wisely. Investing in human capital, such as supporting youths with technical and creative skills to develop their natural potential, is also crucial.
“The Igbos are naturally endowed with ingenuity and creativity. All they require is a safe environment and government support to reach their potential and, therefore, reach their goals.
“There are many projects that the SEDC can engage in that will benefit the people of the South East Region. We do not want to hear that the Abuja politicians have looted the money and shared it among themselves by organising frivolous seminars and conferences or going abroad for unnecessary meetings.”
IPOB also stressed that the allocated funds must be evenly distributed across all states and communities within the South East, ensuring equity and fairness in project execution.
“This is not the time for politicians to loot the common treasury without anyone asking them questions,” it said.
“IPOB is here to monitor and expose every activity and call out those against the people of the South East Region. The purported appropriated funds, if true, are for the people of the South East Region, not for a particular state, Local Government Area, or community.
“All the intervention programs that SEDC may wish to embark on must go around to all the states and communities in Alaigbo.”
The pro-Biafra group further declared that the success or failure of the SEDC would be attributed to its key actors, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Dr. Benjamin Kalu, and SEDC Chairman Dr. Emeka Nworgu.
IPOB warned that if the funds were misappropriated, those involved would face consequences.
