Kalu Clarifies ₦25bn SEDC Allocation, Says Funds Not From South East Governors

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has clarified that the proposed ₦25 billion allocation to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a Federal Government appropriation and not a financial contribution from South East governors.

Addressing concerns surrounding the budgetary provision on Saturday, Kalu explained that the funding was proposed by the Senate Committee on National Assembly Appropriation as part of the Federal Government’s budget process.

He stressed that the allocation should not be misconstrued as coming from state governments in the South East region.

The former Abia State governor also spoke on the controversy regarding consultation on the budget proposal, which has sparked significant concern among South East senators and stakeholders across the region.

According to him, the Senate Committee was not consulted by the management of the commission before the submission of the budget.

However, Kalu emphasised that the committee retains full constitutional authority to exercise oversight. He noted that lawmakers have the power to scrutinise, review, and make necessary adjustments to the proposal during the budget defence process.