By EricJames Ochigbo
Rep. Chinedu Ogah (APC-Ebonyi) has described as unfair and misleading, some media reports blaming the low 2025 budgetary allocation for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) on the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ogah cautioned media practitioners against paddling false and unverified reports.
According to the lawmaker, the role of the media, particularly bloggers and journalists, is to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable.
“However, recent narratives circulating in some quarters of the Abia media space concerning the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, regarding the 2025 national budget’s alleged neglect of the South East, are not only misleading but also unfair.
“It is important to set the record straight and call to order those who are hastily dishing out criticisms without due diligence.
“The issue of the South East’s allocation in the 2025 budget which I raised on the floor of the house is already being addressed at the highest levels of government.
“The leadership of the House of Representatives, under the able guidance of Speaker Rep. Tajuddeen Abbas, has taken the matter seriously and has since presented it to President Bola Tinubu for necessary intervention,” he said.
Ogah said that rather than vilifying the Deputy Speaker, who had consistently championed the interests of the South East at the federal level, bloggers and journalists should be more circumspect in their reporting.
The rep said that the house is not only aware of the concerns raised but is actively working on solutions to ensure equitable budgetary allocations across all regions, including the South East.
“Constructive journalism should be the guiding principle, rather than sensationalism that undermines the efforts of leaders genuinely working for the people.
“Misrepresenting facts and peddling narratives that sow division do not serve the interests of the South East.
“Instead, they weaken the collective efforts of the region’s leaders who are striving for fairness and inclusivity in national policies.
“Therefore, we urge the media practitioners in Abia and beyond to exercise responsibility in their reportage.
“Criticism, when necessary, should be based on facts and not speculation or misinformation. The progress of the South East depends on unity and coordinated advocacy, not baseless attacks on those at the forefront of the struggle,” he said.
Ogah who represents Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebony urged all stakeholders in the South East to work together for the common good of the zone.
He said that that such synergy will ensure that the voices of the South East are heard in a manner that fosters progress rather than discord.
A glance at the 2025 budget statutory transfers showed that Niger Delta Development Commission was allocated N626,533,344,370.00 while North West Development Commission got N145,606,921,550.00
However, North Central Development Commission, South West Development Commission, South South Development Commission and the South East Development Commission were allocated N140,000,000,000.00 each.