The Senate has put the Managing Director of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, under serious questioning over how the commission is using its funds.

Lawmakers are unhappy about the way the N16.6 billion budget released for 2025 has been handled. The Senate Committee on Southeast Development Commission, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, raised strong concerns during the session.

One major issue was the reported spending of N153 million to rent a one-room office apartment in Abuja. This came even though the commission’s main headquarters is located in Enugu. Senators wanted clear explanations on why such a huge amount was used for a small space in the capital city while important development work is expected in the Southeast.

Mark Okoye told the committee that about N12 billion is still left in the commission’s account from the total released last December. However, the senators were not satisfied with his answers. They asked him to go back, organise all his documents properly, and return next week for more detailed questioning.

This development has raised questions about transparency and proper use of public funds meant for regional development. Many people expect the commission to focus on real projects that will improve lives in the Southeast rather than high spending on office rent in Abuja. The outcome of next week’s session will be closely watched.

This highlights the need for accountability in government agencies. As the SEDC is a new commission, there are high hopes that it will deliver on its promises to the region. Nigerians are calling for careful management of funds so that money meant for development does not get wasted on unnecessary expenses.