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South-East Development at Risk? Fresh Allegations Shake SEDC Leadership

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The Abia State’s “Senior man” is leg-deep into a messy murky-water fight with the SEDC, I learnt. The crux of the squabble is saddening.

While Senator Orji Uzor Kalu wants a huge bite from a crumb-pie federal allocation the SEDC barely gets to fund its activities, the commission’s management is refusing to open its vault. For this, a fatal crisis brews.

I dug deeply to uncover the hidden cracks, which neither Orji Uzor Kalu nor the SEDC wants visible to the public.

A Thread.

When the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the 10-Man Senate Committee to oversee the activities of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and made Orji Uzor Kalu its Chairman, many South Easterners, like myself, were underwhelmed.

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“How can a man who was once convicted of funds embezzlement and wanton corruption lead a committee that will conduct a transparent oversight function on the SEDC?” I questioned. The logic was vague.

Today, those silent doubts have been proven valid. The Abia state “senior man” in kleptocracy is showing off his true colours and they read red for the SEDC, the region’s “child” development initiative that should rather enjoy the support of every stakeholder from the region.

Before we get into unraveling the ridiculous “settlement” demands of OUK and the impending showdown, let’s take a look at the SEDC’s activities so far.

On February 12th, 2025, the SEDC Management Team, Governing Board, and Senate Committee were inaugurated. Tinubu’s government announced a N140 billion yearly allocation for the commission and directed its Management to draft its budget around the figure.

The Commission did as directed, drafted a N120 billion budget. But for its vision for the South East development, it included more critical infrastructures in the budget. This shot the budget to N250 billion.

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In its revenue mapping, it factored in raising the N110 billion shortfall internally – all by itself. This didn’t pose a problem. The government approved the budget. Allocations will come in monthly, in a tranche of N10 billion each month.

Unsurprisingly, the Commission didn’t get any budgetary allocation throughout 2025. In these months of financial drought and zero cash inflow, everywhere was quiet. Senator Orji Uzor and his committee members didn’t see a need to exercise oversight on the Commission’s activities.

But in December 2025, the government released a N5 billion take-off grant to the Commission. For context, a take-off grant is a mobilization fund. The commission is expected to use it to acquire and renovate office spaces, pay salary arrears for its staff, and cover other expenses it may have incurred throughout its 9 months of takeoff.

As soon as the funds arrived, the bees gathered to perch on the honeycomb. But with the honey sealed, the parasitic bees are piping to sting on the host with such a rude sense of entitlement. This is the crux of the matter.

I learnt the SEDC Management had yet to map out the expenditure for the takeoff grant when the “arrogant racketeers” came banging at the door for a fat share, with their greedy potbellies. I tried to obtain details but the SEDC declined. I assume they fear Orji Uzor Kalu’s brutish wrath.

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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and his fellows want about 35% cut from the N5 billion takeoff grant, and also for subsequent allocations that the commission gets. How much more ridiculous can it get?

On what grounds does the so-called Senate Committee demand about 35% of the takeoff grant and subsequent allocations? Is the SEDC their private ventures? How more gluttonous can their kleptocratic deep pockets be?

The SEDC Management declined. And it is sticking with its “no” with vehement insistence. This set the tone for the fight which has now spiraled to a destructive dimension. In fact, it threatens the existence of the commission.

This year, the Commission has only received N1.8 billion twice, in January and February. The rest of the months so far, it has gone without allocation. I learnt that the Venture Capital Competition it recently hosted, which funded 25 startups and existing businesses from South Easterners, was financed largely by private investors – which the commissioned sourced.

Yet, Orji Uzor Kalu and fellow money-mongers want a bite from the fragmented pie.

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Recall that earlier in February this year, the Senate Committee, through Senator OUK, issued a “stern warning” to the commission over “the management of N250 billion takeoff grant.” It was because the Commission refused to hand them about 35% cut from the N5 billion. They lied that it was N250 billion.

Is the Senate Committee backing down yet? Never. They have summoned the Commission to appear before them on June 9th, tomorrow. They cannot understand stubborn Will and resolve of the SEDC Management Team to resist their insidious interference and mute their atrocious kleptocratic taste.

They now want to carry out a comprehensive probe into the SEDC activities. The Commission must provide details of all projects, programmes, interventions, and contracts it has executed so far, including their locations, costs, procurement processes, and implementation status.

Wouldn’t this have earned a reputable applause had the Senate Committee not been driven by a heinous greed and sought to choke a Southeast’s only Development Initiative to termination?

Isn’t it time for the leaders and stakeholders from the South East to stand up to Orji Uzor Kalu and his colleagues in the SEDC Senate Committee to quit this scandalous meddlesomeness and allow the Commission to do its job?

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Beyond the oversight function of monitoring and probing the activities of the Commission to ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively, and that it is transparent and accountable in all its dealings, the Senate Committee has no other business but to focus on its lawmaking duties. It should remain at this!

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Stakeholders, Firm Seek Reforms to Boost Professionalism,

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By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.

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Families Homeless as Fire Razes Two-Storey Building in Enugu (Video)

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By Our Correspondent

ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.

The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.

Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitnesses said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.

One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.

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The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.

According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.

“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.

No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.

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Nigeria students issue 4-day ultimatum to South African business interests to evacuate Nigeria

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex students governing body, has issued a four days ultimatum to South African business interests to evacuate Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Comrade Amb. Bestman Okereafor, NANS National Executive Director, Cooperate and Private Sectors Engagement.

The statement said that after the expiration of the ultimatum, South African business interests would face full wrath of the over 43.1 million Nigerian students scattered in the nooks and crannies of the country.

“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa.

“As the biggest students body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria.

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“The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil,” it said.

The statement further noted that immediately after expiration of the ultimatum, NANS will consider picketing South Africa business interests, while further actions will follow.”

It called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to take more decisive actions against South Africa for their inimical acts towards other Africans.

“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” it added.

It would be recalled that xenophobic attack by South Africans on other Africans for some months had led to Nigerians being physically assaulted, embarrassed, intimidated, injured and some gruesomely murdered.

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Several Nigeria business interests and business premises, owned by law abiding Nigerians in South Africa, had been completely burnt down or destroyed by rampaging South Africans without any justification.

The alleged perpetrators of these crimes had earlier given Nigerians and other Africans an ultimatum of June 30 to leave South Africa.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had in recent weeks airlifted hundreds of Nigerians, who are willing to leave the unfriendly country and her people, free of charge back to Nigeria.

However, some of those, who returned to Nigeria recently, left South Africa barely with the cloth they put on, losing savings, valuables and businesses they set up or acquired after many years.

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Man Missing Since 2007 Found Alive After Spending 18 Years in Prison Without Trial

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A man identified as Gospel Uebari Kinanee, who disappeared in 2007 at the age of 14, has been found alive after spending 18 years in detention at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Correctional Centre.

According to reports, Gospel was allegedly taken into custody by suspected security operatives and detained without trial, formal charges, or any case file.

Before his disappearance, he had gone out to play near his home in Ogoni, Rivers State, in 2007 and never returned. His family launched an extensive search, visiting police stations, mortuaries, and even the same correctional facility where he was unknowingly being held. Unable to cope with the uncertainty and anguish, both of his parents reportedly died during the years-long search.

His family and advocates were unable to locate him because he had been wrongly registered by the correctional facility under the name “Baridi Sunday” instead of his real name, Gospel Uebari Kinanee.

His ordeal came to light during a prison outreach programme conducted by the Haven360 Foundation, where he was identified as one of several “ghost prisoners”—individuals detained without proper legal documentation.

Gospel was subsequently released by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, during a jail delivery exercise aimed at decongesting correctional facilities.

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Now in his 30s, Gospel is reportedly battling severe mental and psychological health challenges following his prolonged detention.

His family is pursuing a ₦10 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government, seeking justice and compensation for his alleged unlawful detention.

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18 LG Chairmen, 22 Exco Members, 28 Aspirants Shun “Kangaroo Grand Entry,” Pledge Loyalty to Anosike

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In a fresh show of solidarity within the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sixteen Local Government Chairmen, twenty-two State Executive Committee members, and twenty-eight aspirants across the state have distanced themselves from what they described as a “kangaroo grand entry,” reaffirming their allegiance to the state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike.

The mass show of support comes amid lingering tension in the party following a controversial court process that had sought to challenge Anosike’s leadership , a move the state APC executive had earlier dismissed as a “kangaroo judgment” lacking the backing of genuine party stakeholders.

Sources within the party say the boycotted event, tagged a “Grand Entry,” was organized by a faction opposed to the current leadership, apparently in an attempt to project an alternative structure and challenge the legitimacy of Anosike’s executive. However, the near-total absence of substantive party officials at the event has been read by observers as a clear indication that the rival faction lacks the grassroots backing it claims to have.

In separate statements, the affected chairmen, exco members, and aspirants said their decision to stay away was a deliberate stand against what they called an orchestrated distraction targeted at the “constitutionally recognized” leadership of the party in the state. They restated their commitment to the Anosike-led executive, insisting that the chairman and his team remain the only legitimate authority running the affairs of the APC in Anambra.

Party loyalists argue that the scale of the boycott — spanning local government administration, the state working committee, and aspiring candidates — sends a strong signal about where the balance of support lies within the party’s grassroots structure. They maintain that any parallel structure or gathering outside the recognized leadership amounts to a distraction that will not derail the party’s preparations for the National Assembly, State Assembly, and local government polls.

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As of press time, the organizers of the “Grand Entry” have yet to respond publicly to the mass boycott, while the Anosike-led executive is expected to address the development formally in the coming days.

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