SENATE KICKS AS SOUTH EAST DEVT COMMISSION RENTS ONE-ROOM OFFICE IN ABUJA FOR N153M. (PHOTO).

 The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, has come under scrutiny from the Senate over alleged irregularities in the commission’s N16.6 billion 2025 budget implementation.

The concerns were raised during an oversight session of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, chaired by Orji Uzor Kalu.

Lawmakers questioned the commission over reports that N153 million was spent on renting a one-room office apartment in Abuja, despite the agency’s headquarters being located in Enugu. The committee described the expenditure as difficult to justify and demanded a detailed explanation on the use of public funds.

Responding to the lawmakers, Okoye stated that between N11.5 billion and N12 billion remained in the commission’s account from the N16.6 billion released to the agency in December.

However, members of the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the financial presentation, describing it as unclear and inconsistent. They noted that the documents submitted lacked proper structure and directed the commission to provide detailed and verifiable financial records.

Kalu warned that the Senate would not tolerate vague or incomplete financial reporting, stressing that all government agencies must comply with constitutional oversight requirements.

He further disclosed that the committee would conduct a thorough audit of the expenditures presented by the commission, while also raising concerns over other spending items.

In its response, the SEDC management said its financial records were still being compiled and assured lawmakers that a comprehensive report would be submitted.

The committee subsequently directed the commission to reappear before it next Tuesday with complete documentation for further scrutiny, warning that failure to comply could attract additional legislative action.