The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders has commended Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for demanding transparency in the management of funds released to the South East Development Commission.
COSEYL, the apex socio-political youth body in the South East, said Kalu’s intervention during a Senate oversight session with SEDC leadership demonstrated his commitment to protecting the interests of the region.
Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, insisted on detailed financial records on the N16.6 billion so far released to the Commission.
According to a statement released in Abuja on Friday by the President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the group said the Senator’s questions on the reported payment of N153 million monthly for office rent were legitimate and required immediate clarification.
“Every kobo appropriated for the development of the South East must be accounted for and must directly impact our people through visible infrastructure, economic empowerment, and sustainable projects,” COSEYL said in a statement signed by President General Comrade Goodluck Ibem.
The coalition described the explanations provided by the SEDC so far as inadequate and below the standard of transparency expected from an agency set up to drive regional development.
“We salute Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for proving that he is a leader of integrity and courage. At a time when many public officials avoid difficult questions, he has shown uncommon leadership by standing on the side of accountability,” Ibem stated.
COSEYL said the South East needs more leaders willing to speak truth to power and ensure public institutions remain answerable to the people.
It urged the Senate Committee on SEDC to sustain its oversight and continue engaging the commission in ways that strengthen accountability and safeguard public resources.
“The era of unquestioned expenditure of public funds must end. Development agencies must understand that they are custodians of public trust and must always be ready to account for their stewardship,” the group added.
COSEYL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting genuine efforts aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the South East.
