Use SEDC Appropriated Funds Judiciously, Or Be Held Accountable – IPOB Charges Stakeholders

Use SEDC Appropriated Funds Judiciously, Or Be Held Accountable – IPOB Charges Stakeholders  The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB movement ...

Use SEDC Appropriated Funds Judiciously, Or Be Held Accountable – IPOB Charges Stakeholders 

The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB movement have charged elements at the helm of the SouthEast Development Commission (SEDC) to use the federal government allocated 250 billion naira  development program funds, for its designated purpose and desist embezzlement and pursuing frivolities. 

This was made known by a press statement issued by the IPOB media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful. The statement urged the stakeholders namely, the incumbent chairman of the commission, Chief Emeka Nworgu, former governor and chairman of the senate committee to the SEDC, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu as well as the Deputy speaker of the Federal house of representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, to ensure that the funds are invested judiciously in human resource development and a variety of social amenities sectors which the South-east region is lacking. 

IPOB urged the stakeholders to pursue the revitalization of economic hubs in Anambra, Abia State respectively, renovate and modern public health care system, expanding road and transport networks, investing in the energy sector to enable and seamless industrialization in the region. 

The statement reads in part, "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 utilized in the development of Alaigbo." 

"The money is meant to initiate and complete developmental programs and projects in the region. The South East is in need of so many social intervention projects and industrialization that will create jobs for the teaming youthful population  of AlaIgbo  at this time."

"Examples of such developmental programs and projects include rehabilitation projects. There is also a need for the construction of new roads and the expansion of existing ones. Rehabilitation of federal government hospitals and building of new ones. Building of electricity power plants for the provision of affordable and reliable electricity. Construction of free trade zones or industrial parks in Abia and Anambra State to create jobs for our teaming population." 

The statement however acknowledged that the allocated funds would not be sufficient for the construction of international standard, airport and Seaports in the South-East, hence it urged the SEDC stakeholders to pursue and invest in human development programs especially in the industrious young and youthful population running in the millions in the South-East.

"We are aware that the money won't build airport or Seaport but it's yearly acrude money therefore they must utilise the money. Investing in human capital such as supporting youths with technical and creative skills to develop their natural potential." 

"Ndigbo 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. 

Finally, IPOB warned against the misappropriation or embezzlement of the SEDC allocated funds, vowing to hold stakeholders responsible if the manifestation and impact of the funds and its future projects are not felt as ought to, across the entire nook and crannies of the SouthEast region.

"We do not want to hear that the Abuja-based politicians have looted the money and shared it among themselves by organizing frivolous seminars and conferences or going abroad."

"This is not the time for politicians to loot the common treasury without anyone asking them questions. 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 is for the people of the South East Region. It is 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 SEDC board members must conduct themselves in a manner that the whole Igboland will feel the impart of the 250 billion Naira. No state or community should have a  favorable advantage over the other. Let there be equity and justice to avoid any form of strife." 

"Most importantly, the money should not be stolen or shared among the political actors in Alaigbo. Otherwise, those who will be involved in the sharing of the funds will have a price to pay." 

"The success and failure of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) will be dependent on these key Igbo actors, 

Dr. Orji Uzoh Kalu(Senator), Dr Benjamin Kalu(House of Rep Deputy Speaker),and Dr. Emeka Nworgu (SEDC Chairman). These actors are to be held responsible if the SEDC fails and will be praised if the Commission succeeds. IPOB is monitoring them and will not fail to hold them accountable."

Family Writers Press International.