By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

A group, The South East Youth Development Initiative Forum (SEYDIF) has described as misleading statements credited to Mr. Elton Onwu regarding the South East Development Commission (SEDC) appointments controversy.

The group noted with deep concern and disappointment, what it observed as Mr. Onwu’s desperate attempts to defend what is clearly an orchestrated scheme to undermine the collective interests of Ndi Igbo.

In a statement released to the media and signed by Comrade Martins Ayogu, and Chibuzor Ekweozor its, Zonal Coordinator and Secretary respectively, the group noted that it was rather disturbing that a figure like Mr. Onwu, an Imo State indigene, has chosen to act against the interests of his own people.

The group made it clear that Onwu had no mandate to speak on behalf of the state nor the zone, pointing out that his recent outburst only confirmed his status as an errand boy doing the bidding of his paymasters at the expense of the development of the South East development.

” We took notice of the drivel, an internally displaced politician by the name Elton Onwu had spewed while trying to justify the illegality in the composition of the appointments of the SEDC. While we agree that this is a democracy and anybody can say what he likes we wonder to what  extent will some persons not go to justify their positions as mere errand boys.

Let us be unequivocally clear:

1. Mr. Onwu has no mandate to speak on behalf of South East stakeholders. His recent outburst merely confirms his status as an errand boy doing the bidding of his paymasters at the expense of South East development.

2. His defense of the SEDC appointments demonstrates a troubling pattern of sycophancy that has historically plagued our region’s progress. As an Imo State son, it is particularly shameful that he would actively work against the interests of his own people for peanuts.

3. The attempt to discredit Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, our party’s National Vice Chairman (South East), a man who has shown altruism in his pursuit of the interests of the region shows the desperation of those who seek to maintain their grip on power through shameless proxies like Mr. Onwu.

4. His selective presentation of facts regarding the SEDC Bill’s history and the appointment process reveals his role as a hired voice rather than a genuine stakeholder in South East development. How one can play down  the efforts of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in ensuring that the bill saw the light of day just to justify his sponsor shows quality of Onwu’s jaded character. Onwu’s lies have short legs as it is on record that Stanley Ohajuruka has been representing the Deputy Speaker at major functions, whilst Toby Okechukwu was his Chief of Staff until his recent appointment.

We, the youth of the South East, hereby call on Mr. Onwu to:

Immediately cease his divisive activities that only serve to undermine the unity and progress of the South East

– Apologize to Ndi Igbo for attempting to mislead the public about the SEDC appointments

– Remember his roots and consider the long-term implications of his actions on the development of the South East region

“The South East Youth Development Initiative Forum remains committed to ensuring transparent and equitable representation in all matters concerning our region’s development. We will not stand idly by while an electoral worthless individual like Mr. Onwu sacrifice our collective interests for peanuts!”

The SEYDIF also called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to hijack the SEDC for personal or partisan interests.