ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has fiercely queried the commission’s Managing Director, Mark Okoye, over the utilization of ₦16.6 billion released to the agency from the budget. The fiery confrontation took place during an investigative hearing at the National Assembly, where lawmakers expressed deep disappointment over unsubstantiated expenditures and contradictory account balances.
The tension escalated when the Committee Chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, openly disputed Okoye’s claims regarding the remaining funds and exposed a massive ₦153 million expenditure spent on a tiny one-room liaison office in Abuja.
The Clash Over Account Balance Discrepancy
During the review of the commission’s financial report, Senator Kalu questioned Okoye on the exact balance remaining from the ₦16.6 billion federal allocation.
“How much is left of the N16.6 billion you received from the budget?” Kalu asked.
Okoye responded that the agency retained ₦11 billion. However, Senator Kalu immediately cut him off, revealing that the Senate committee had directly cross-checked with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“You have N13 billion,” Kalu countered. “I’ve spoken to the CBN. You’re dealing with government officials. I’m disappointed in you, and this committee is disappointed.”
Although Okoye insisted he had verifiable evidence and had previously notified the lawmakers last Friday, the committee remained entirely unconvinced by the verbal explanations.
₦153 Million Spent on a One-Room Office
Lawmakers further expressed absolute shock over the commission’s operational expenses. The committee strongly condemned the SEDC leadership for spending a staggering ₦153 million just to rent a single-room liaison office in Abuja.
“Listen to me, you have one little office in Abuja where you pay 153 million. One room office! This committee knows,” Kalu fired back.
Senate Gives Ultimatum
Unmoved by the defenses presented, the Senate Committee rejected the financial submission, describing it as completely unacceptable. Senator Kalu subsequently ordered the SEDC management to put their documents in order and submit comprehensive financial records—including detailed contract breakdowns, payment schedules, and supporting bank documents—giving the agency a strict deadline to return for further rigorous scrutiny.
