Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, released the first list of nominations on Friday, designating Hon. Emeka Atuma as the SEDC board chairman. But on Saturday, a new list was made public, with Barr. Emeka Nworgu (PhD) taking Atuma’s place as Chairman, raising questions about possible internal strife.
According to sources, Atuma and other regional nominees were supported by Governor Uzodinma and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South East, whose choices were reflected in the initial list.
But according to reports, Deputy Speaker Kalu successfully pushed for his favorite candidates during his reshuffle lobbying efforts.
“The appointments are the subject of a supremacy struggle. Gov. Hope Uzodinma and the APC South East leadership submitted the original list with Emeka Atuma’s name on it. However, for unclear reasons, Benjamin Kalu made revisions to the list to add his own candidates, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to reports, four people on the updated list were nominated by Kalu alone, leaving out other South East stakeholders.
Clifford Ogbede is the Executive Director, Stanley Ohajuruka is the Executive Director of Finance, Toby Okechukwu, Kalu’s Chief of Staff, is the Executive Director of Projects, and Barr. Emeka Nworgu is the Chairman.
Other board positions were also modified in President Tinubu’s updated list. Interestingly, a number of other nominees were kept in their positions, but Anthony Ugbo, Obinna Obiekweihe, and Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja were replaced.
Senate confirmation is still pending for these appointees.