A prominent political figure and elder statesman, Chekwas Okorie, has thrown his weight behind the management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), urging critics to exercise restraint and allow the agency to stabilize rather than undermine its early efforts with premature condemnation.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and revered holder of the title Ojeozi Ndigbo, expressed concern over recent allegations leveled against the commission by a Senate oversight committee. He described the criticisms as hasty and potentially damaging to the credibility of an institution still in its formative phase.

Reflecting on the establishment of the commission, Okorie recalled his enthusiasm when President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the SEDC in February 2025. He characterized the initiative as a historic milestone designed to address the longstanding needs of development, reconstruction, and rehabilitation in Nigeria’s South-East region.

According to him, the commission represents one of the most significant federal interventions since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, aligning with the enduring national policy of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. He noted that he had publicly commended the initiative at its inception and urged the federal government to ensure adequate funding for its success.

Okorie further expressed confidence in the leadership of the commission, praising the competence of those appointed to steer its affairs. He disclosed that shortly after its inauguration, the SEDC engaged South-East governors and developed a strategic development roadmap, which reportedly secured presidential approval.

However, he acknowledged that public skepticism grew in the months following its launch due to the absence of visible projects. He explained that this delay was largely due to the commission’s initial lack of funding from the Federation Account, which hindered its operational takeoff.

“It was only after funds were eventually released that the commission could begin to establish its structures and lay the groundwork for meaningful activities,” he clarified.

Addressing specific concerns raised by the Senate committee, including the reported expenditure of ₦153 million on an office facility in Abuja and consultancy services, Okorie dismissed some of the allegations as misleading. He stated that investigations revealed the Abuja office was not a modest one-room setup as suggested, but a fully furnished and properly equipped complex located in Maitama.

On consultancy spending, he emphasized that such investments are critical for attracting investors, securing development financing, and designing viable frameworks capable of driving sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development across the region.

While reiterating the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions, Okorie criticized the tone of the Senate committee’s engagement, describing it as excessive for an agency that had only recently begun receiving operational funds.

He called on lawmakers to adopt a more balanced and constructive approach in their oversight responsibilities, while also advising the SEDC leadership to improve public communication. Regular updates on projects, expenditures, and activities, he noted, would help build public trust and curb speculation.

Concluding his remarks, Okorie underscored the high expectations of the South-East people, expressing optimism that the SEDC would remain focused on delivering impactful and transformative development across the region.

“This commission must be supported to succeed, not weakened at birth by undue criticism,” he stated.