Senate probes Tinubu’s appointee for spending N153million for office rent, others

The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has directed Mr. Mark Okoye, Managing Director of the commission, to account for the utilisation of N16.6 billion appropriated to the agency in the 2025 budget.

The directive followed an investigative hearing by the committee on Tuesday over the commission’s financial operations.

The committee, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia north, raised concerns over N153 million reportedly spent on a one-room liaison office in Abuja and N2.5 billion listed as “implied expenditure” in the commission’s financial report.

Lawmakers also questioned the management of funds released to the agency, which was established to drive infrastructure development and economic recovery in the south-east.

The scrutiny began after committee members reviewed financial documents submitted by the commission.

Kalu said information available to the committee showed that only N13 billion remained from the N16.6 billion released to the commission in December 2025.

“This committee is disappointed with the financial report given, which is completely unacceptable,” the former Abia state governor said.

Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, and Austin Akobundu, also criticised the report, describing key aspects of the submission as inadequate and lacking transparency.

Responding, Okoye said the commission had applied available funds to priority projects in line with procurement and funding realities.

His words: “Our approach has been to ensure that available resources are directed towards priority projects. We want allocations to guide the procurement process so that contracts awarded can be backed by available funding.

“What we want to avoid is a situation where contracts are awarded without the financial capacity to execute them. For example, having a budget of N140bn does not automatically mean that N140bn in cash is available.

“It would be irresponsible to award contracts worth the entire budget if only N10 billion or N20 billion has actually been released. Doing so would create unfunded liabilities and a significant financial deficit.”

The committee, however, rejected the explanation and demanded additional documentation. Kalu directed the commission to submit detailed records of contracts, payment schedules and supporting documents on or before June 23.

“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee,” he said.

The committee subsequently adjourned the hearing and warned that the senate expected full disclosure of the commission’s financial activities before further proceedings.