…Flags weak strategy, poor fund utilisation; urges accountability
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A multidisciplinary scholar and Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has cautioned managers of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritise the region’s genuine development needs and avoid embarking on questionable, low-impact projects.
Speaking at the March edition of the Ikengaonline monthly town hall meeting, Prof. Ikechukwu warned against repeating the failures of past intervention agencies that prioritised superficial infrastructure over meaningful development.
Delivering a lecture titled “SEDC: Promise, Politics, and the Future of the South-East,” the public affairs analyst expressed concern over the absence of clear implementation strategies in the commission’s programmes, noting that such gaps could result in cosmetic outcomes.
He stressed the need for transparency, strategic project selection, and people-oriented initiatives, insisting that development must go beyond mere infrastructure to address real socio-economic challenges.
Drawing parallels with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ikechukwu raised concerns about possible fund misallocation and weak execution frameworks, cautioning against projects with little or no direct impact on the people.
According to him, “Without clear action plans and strategic engagement, development programmes risk failing to address the underlying issues they were designed to solve.”
The don also criticised what he described as the SEDC’s current tilt towards procurement-driven activities rather than tangible development outcomes.
He cited figures indicating that, out of about N244 billion allocated to the commission, less than N20 billion has been channelled into actual development, with a significant portion reportedly spent on recurrent items, including food distribution to internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Prof. Ikechukwu identified three core expectations for the commission: the provision of independent funding for development initiatives; fostering collaboration among South-East states; and tackling critical environmental and educational challenges.
While commending the Federal Government for establishing the SEDC—albeit belatedly—he warned that the commission must not become a substitute for essential federal responsibilities in the region.
On political interference, he noted that total insulation from politics was unrealistic but emphasised that strong leadership and effective oversight mechanisms would be crucial to ensuring the commission’s success.
Deliberations at the town hall, described as robust, centred on the need for strategic planning, transparency, and accountability to prevent the commission from derailing.
Participants also called for the development of clear policy frameworks and pledged sustained civic engagement with the commission.
One of the participants, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, said efforts were underway to ensure that SEDC leadership and key state officials, including Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs), participate in subsequent town hall sessions to deepen engagement and accountability.
Ikengaonline, organisers of the forum, is a South-East-focused digital platform dedicated to amplifying citizens’ voices and promoting good governance.
