A coalition of civil society organisations operating under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption and Electoral Malpractice (CSOACEM) has announced plans to stage peaceful mass rallies across the South East and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, over concerns regarding the operations and financial management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The coalition disclosed that the demonstrations, scheduled to commence on June 17, 2026, are aimed at demanding greater transparency, accountability, and public disclosure of the Commission’s activities since its establishment.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, CSOACEM National President, Comrade Uche Onoh, said the SEDC was established to drive development, infrastructure renewal, economic growth, and youth empowerment across the five South-East states. However, he noted that many residents are yet to witness tangible evidence of the Commission’s impact.
According to Onoh, recent discussions and reports emerging from the National Assembly concerning the Commission’s expenditures and financial records have heightened public interest and scrutiny of the agency’s activities.
“The people of the South East deserve answers. They deserve to know what projects have been executed, the status of approved projects, how funds released to the Commission have been utilised, and why the Commission’s impact is yet to be significantly felt across the region,” he stated.
The coalition expressed concern over what it described as unresolved questions surrounding project implementation, expenditure records, and the Commission’s operational presence across the South East.
“These concerns are legitimate and deserve clear answers. They cannot simply be ignored,” Onoh added.
Following consultations with stakeholders across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, the coalition said it resolved to organise peaceful rallies throughout the region and in Abuja to press for accountability.
“The purpose of these rallies is to demand transparency, accountability, and immediate clarification on issues concerning the activities and expenditures of the South East Development Commission.
“Our position is not driven by politics, personal interests, or vendettas. It is motivated by the need to ensure that every naira appropriated and released for the development of the South East translates into measurable benefits for the people,” he said.
CSOACEM also called on the Federal Government to suspend the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, pending the outcome of what it described as an independent investigation into the agency’s finances and project execution records.
“Consequently, we call on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the finances, expenditures, and project implementation records of the Commission,” Onoh stated.
He, however, stressed that the demand for suspension should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt.
“This call for suspension is not a pronouncement of guilt. Rather, it is a necessary administrative measure aimed at protecting the integrity of any investigation, restoring public confidence, and ensuring complete transparency,” he explained.
The coalition further demanded an immediate forensic audit of all funds released to the Commission since its inception and called for the publication of all contracts awarded, including details of contractors, contract values, implementation timelines, and project status.
Additionally, the group urged the Commission to provide comprehensive disclosure of its expenditures and strengthen its operational structures within the South East to enhance accessibility and accountability.
CSOACEM also appealed to the National Assembly and relevant anti-corruption agencies to undertake a comprehensive review of the Commission’s activities and make their findings public.
“The people of the South East have waited too long for meaningful intervention and development. They cannot afford another institution that consumes public funds without visible and corresponding benefits to the people,” Onoh said.
The coalition assured that the planned demonstrations would remain peaceful and be conducted within the provisions of the law. It also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants exercising their constitutional rights.
“The South East deserves development. The South East deserves accountability. The South East deserves transparency. The South East deserves results,” the CSOACEM president declared.
He added that the protests would continue until satisfactory explanations and appropriate actions are provided by the relevant authorities.
