By Milcah Tanimu

Urum Kalu Eke, a nominee for the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors, has turned down the appointment, citing his current engagement with the World Bank. This revelation surfaced during Thursday’s plenary session in the Senate, where confirmation procedures for the nominees were underway.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Urum and four others on February 13 for confirmation as board members of the CBN. However, during the confirmation process, Senator Orji Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, disclosed to the Senate that Urum, his constituent, had communicated his refusal over the phone. Urum expressed concerns that accepting the position would conflict with his existing role as a consultant for the World Bank, various Federal Government agencies, and private enterprises.

Those successfully confirmed by the Senate as Directors include Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

The confirmation followed the consideration of a report on the nominee screenings, presented by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions. Abiru noted that Urum Kalu Eke wasn’t cleared by the Committee due to his non-appearance for screening.