By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warmed that the purported sum of N250b appropriated for the newly created South East Development Commission (SEDC) must not be shared.

The Commission is under the Chairmanship of Dr. Emeka Nworgu and supervised by the former Governor of Abia State Senator Orji Uzoh Kalu, who is the Senate Committee Chairman of the Commission.

IPOB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful said: "If the information is true, we wish to warn Senator Orji Uzoh Kalu and those handling this money to ensure that the money is not to be shared among individuals but should be utilized in the development of Alaigbo.

"The money is meant to initiate and complete developmental programs and projects in the region. The South East is in need of so many social intervention projects and industrialization that will create jobs for the teaming youthful population of Ala Igbo at this time.

"Examples of such developmental programs and projects include rehabilitation projects. There is also a need for the construction of new roads and the expansion of existing ones. Rehabilitation of federal government hospitals and building of new ones.

"Building of electricity power plants for the provision of affordable and reliable electricity. Construction of free trade zones or industrial parks in Abia and Anambra State to create jobs for our teaming population.

"Building a functional Seaports and International Airports. We are aware that the money won't build airport or Seaport but its yearly accrued money therefore they must utilise the money. Investing in human capital such as supporting youths with technical and creative skills to develop their natural potential."

While noting that Ndigbo are naturally endowed with ingenuity and creativity, IPOB stressed that all they require is a safe environment and government support to reach their potential and therefore reach their goals.

It stated that there are many projects that the SEDC can engage in that will benefit the people of the South East Region.

The group added: "We do not want to hear that the Abuja politicians have looted the money and shared it among themselves by organizing frivolous seminars and conferences or going abroad for anything conferences.

"This is not the time for politicians to loot the common treasury without anyone asking them questions. IPOB is here to monitor and expose every activity and call out those against the people of the South East Region.

"The purported appropriated funds if true is for the people of the South East Region. It is not for a particular state, Local Government Area, or community. All the intervention programs that SEDC may wish to embark on must go around to all the states and communities in Alaigbo.

"The SEDC board members must conduct themselves in a manner that the whole Igboland will feel the impact of the 250 billion Naira. No state or community should have a favorable advantage over the other. Let there be equity and justice to avoid any form of strife.

"Most importantly, the money should not be stolen or shared among the political actors in Alaigbo. Otherwise, those who will be involved in the sharing of the funds will have a price to pay."

IPOB observed that the success and failure of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) will be dependent on key Igbo actors like Sen. Orji Uzoh Kalu, Dr Benjamin Kalu, Dep Speaker of the House of Rep and Dr. Emeka Nworgu, SEDC Chairman.

It said that the actors should be held responsible if the SEDC fails and will also be praised if the Commission succeeds.

It added: "IPOB is monitoring them and will not fail to hold them accountable."

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