PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has again made significant changes to the proposed leadership of the South East Development Commission, submitting a revised list of nominees to the Senate for confirmation less than 24 hours after the first change.
The updated list, announced on December 6, 2024, features new appointments aimed at strengthening the Commission’s capacity to drive development in the South East region.
According to a State House press release, Tinubu replaced the initial chairman nominee, Emeka Atuma, with Dr. Emeka Nworgu.
This newspaper had on Friday announced Atuma alongside others—in a statement where he announced the leadership for the North West Development Commission.
However, in this rejigged nomination, signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and shared on X on Saturday, other adjustments were made to the board nominees.
The statement read, “The President replaced all the three executive directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.”
The reshuffled list also includes a new Executive Director of Finance, Stanley Ohajuruka, who replaces Anthony Ugbo.
Toby Okechukwu has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Projects, taking over from Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo will now serve as Executive Director of Corporate Services, succeeding Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
Additionally, two executive directors without specific portfolios—Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede—have been added to the board.
The President retained Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity at the Commission’s helm.
However, the new list sees the removal of board member Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa.
Despite these changes, several nominees from the initial list were retained, PUNCH Online reports
These include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo. Others retained are Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.
The revised list increases the board’s membership from 15 to 16. Onanuga noted, “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,” the statement concluded.