Again, Tinubu Reshuffles South East Development Commission Board Nominees

On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu revealed modifications to the planned leadership of the South East Development Commission.

According to a State House press statement obtained by Channels Television, the list has already been submitted for Senate confirmation.

The amended list, issued on December 6, 2024, includes new appointments targeted at increasing the Commission’s ability to stimulate growth in the South East region.

Tinubu replaced the original chairman nominee, Emeka Atuma, with Dr. Emeka Nworgu.

Tinubu named Atuma, along with others, in a statement announcing the North West Development Commission’s leadership team.0:00 / 0:00

Other changes were made to the board nominees in this revised nomination, which was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and uploaded on X on Saturday.

The press release continued: “The President replaced all the three executive directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.”

Stanley Ohajuruka, the new Executive Director of Finance, replaces Anthony Ugbo.

Toby Okechukwu has been appointed Executive Director of Projects, succeeding Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo will take over as Executive Director of Corporate Services, following Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.

Furthermore, two executive directors with no specific portfolios—Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede—have been appointed to the board.

The President reappointed Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity at the Commission’s direction.

However, the revised list removes board member Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa.

Despite the adjustments, numerous nominees from the initial list were preserved, according to PUNCH Online.

These include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo. Others who have been kept include Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.

The new list brings the board’s membership from 15 to 16. As Onanuga added, “President Tinubu expects the new nominees, as pioneers, to use their wealth of experience and expertise to actualise the Commission’s mandate and develop the South East region.”

“All the nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, marking a crucial step in establishing the SEDC as a driver of growth and innovation in the South East,” according to the statement.