By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.
The public presentation and defence of the 2026 Budget of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) by its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Mark Okoye II, before the Senate Committee on SEDC have generated a lot of angry reactions from a cross section of critics in the South East. The misplaced reactions were in response to the proposed figures for some sub-heads which, in their considered opinions, were bloated and outrageous. Some of these critics went overboard by attacking the person of the Managing Director and accusing him of wasting money on frivolities.
I believe it would serve the best interest of the public when facts are clearly separated from fiction and fabrications. The critics, some of who are believed to be propelled by partisan considerations, are spewing their anger on the grounds that the contested budget sub-heads dwelt on what they considered intangibles like Technical Feasibility Studies, Legal and Administrative Set-up; Media and PR Communications/Branding; Diaspora Engagements; Innovation Hubs and Training Incubation; Regional Security Operations and Regional Security Infrastructure, amongst others.