Emeka Nwogu


President Bola Tinubu, hours after announcing  nominees for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) board, has  replaced  the initial chairman, Hon. Emeka Atuma, with Dr.  Emeka Wogu, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity.The President replaced all the three executive directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.


Dailyledger.ng.com gathered that the unexpected development is traceable to the tussle for supremacy in the APC between Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ben Kalu.


The initial chairman nominee, Emeka Atuma is believed to be a camp follower of Uzodimma while Wogu belongs to the Deputy Speaker's camp. The  new executive director for Finance, Hon Stanley Ohajuruka is also a loyalist of Kalu 


In a press statement by Bayo Onanuga,  Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), the President also removed one of the board members,  Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa. 


However, Hon. Mark C. Okoye retains his position as the Commission's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on the 16-member board, one more member than the initial board. 


The new nominee executive director for finance is Stanley Ohajuruka,  replaces Anthony Ugbo in the first list.


Toby Okechukwu is the new executive director of projects. He replaces Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo is now the executive director of corporate services, replacing Dr Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.


The two nominated executive directors without a portfolio are Chidi Echeazu and Dr Clifford Ogbede.


The President retained Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo.  


The other nominees retained are Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma


All the nominations are subject to Senate confirmation.