SEDC Is Not Benjamin Kalu’s Personal Gift to the South East: Bende Deserves More Than Political Propaganda

By Emenike Okorie

Politics becomes dangerous when public institutions are deliberately reduced to personal achievements. It becomes even more dangerous when collective victories are repackaged as the exclusive accomplishments of one individual in an attempt to manipulate the emotions of the people for electoral advantage.

This is precisely why the narrative surrounding the South East Development Commission (SEDC) deserves careful scrutiny.

Let us begin with the facts.

The SEDC is an intervention agency established by the Federal Government as part of a broader national policy of creating regional development commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Similar commissions exist for other regions, each designed to address peculiar developmental challenges. Therefore, the SEDC is not a private initiative, a personal donation, or the exclusive political legacy of any single legislator.

Its emergence was the product of years of advocacy, legislative processes, committee work, executive collaboration, and the collective efforts of South East representatives in the National Assembly. To attribute such a landmark institution to one individual is not only historically inaccurate but also unfair to every senator, member of the House of Representatives, stakeholders, and citizens who contributed to making it a reality.

No one should attempt to mortgage the political future of Ndi Bende on the basis of a commission that belongs to the entire South East.

Development commissions are public institutions funded with taxpayers’ money. Their existence is a constitutional responsibility of government—not a personal favour bestowed by any politician. The people reserve the right to evaluate every elected representative based on the totality of their performance, accessibility, accountability, and tangible impact on the lives of their constituents.

That is the essence of democracy.

The growing attempt to present the SEDC as sufficient justification for another term in office underestimates the political intelligence of Ndi Bende. Our people understand the difference between institutional achievements and individual representation. They know that leadership is not sustained by propaganda but by consistent service, equitable representation, and responsiveness to the aspirations of the electorate.

Bende Federal Constituency has spoken with increasing clarity.

The demand is no longer merely about personalities; it is about renewal, inclusion, equity, and a fresh vision for effective representation. Democracy flourishes when power rotates, fresh ideas emerge, and leadership remains accountable to the people rather than assuming entitlement to public office.

No political office belongs permanently to anyone.

When the people begin to call for change, wise leaders listen.

Today, that call echoes across the length and breadth of Bende Federal Constituency. It is a call for a new chapter. It is a call for hope. It is a call for purposeful and people-centred representation.

Many believe that the time has come for Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji) to bring his well-known culture of compassion, philanthropy, youth empowerment, and developmental vision into public representation. Whether through education, healthcare, entrepreneurship support, or humanitarian interventions, Ofuji has built a reputation that many believe reflects the kind of servant leadership Bende desires at this critical moment.

The conversation before Ndi Bende should therefore rise above political marketing and personality cults. It should focus on competence, character, vision, accessibility, and the future our children deserve.

The SEDC belongs to every son and daughter of the South East.

It is not Benjamin Kalu’s personal property.

It is not a campaign gift.

It is not a political bargaining chip.

And it should never be used as bait to persuade Ndi Bende to abandon their legitimate desire for a new direction.

The message from the grassroots is becoming unmistakable.

No third term in Bende Federal Constituency.

The wind of change is blowing.

The future is calling.

For many across Bende, the moment has arrived.

It’s Ofuji’s time.

It’s Ofuji O’Clock.

Bende 2027: Ogadi Ka Oluebube!

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