SEDC: Archbishop and Igbo Women Urge Igbo to Put Their House in Order

By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Emmanuel Iheaka & Jeff Agbodo

Reactions continue to follow the scandal surrounding the South East Development Commission’s (SEDC) expenditures.

The Archbishop of Umuahia Methodist Diocese, Chibuzor Opoko, cautioned that the optimism generated by the commission’s creation should not be undermined, noting that its limited impact after one year could be perceived as political hype.

He criticized the commission’s lack of funding, alleging marginalisation.

The Archbishop said that the South East’s apparent neglect was driving renewed calls for Biafra and a referendum by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

He advised that the SEDC focus on rail connectivity, inland waterways, agriculture, and seaport development to stimulate 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 commission’s agenda, Archbishop Opoko said: “When the funds arrive, connect all South East