NIGERIA: Tinubu Shuffles South East Development Commission Nominees Again

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reshuffled the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), submitting a fresh list of nominees to the Senate on Friday, for confirmation.

This marks yet another round of adjustments in the President’s effort to fine-tune the Commission’s leadership structure to deliver on its mandate.

The reshuffle, announced via a State House press release and signed by Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sparked fresh debate about the administration’s approach to regional development.

Notably, Emeka Atuma, initially announced as chairman, has been replaced by Dr. Emeka Nworgu.

Atuma’s nomination alongside other nominees for the North West Development Commission was previously reported earlier on Friday.

In what appears to be a total overhaul of the executive team, Tinubu replaced all three executive directors initially proposed and added two more.

The revised lineup includes Stanley Ohajuruka as the Executive Director of Finance, taking over from Anthony Ugbo, and Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects, succeeding Obinna Obiekweihe.

Chief Sylvester Okonkwo has been named Executive Director of Corporate Services, replacing Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.

Interestingly, the revised list also introduces two new executive directors without specified portfolios—Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede—raising questions about the scope of their roles.

Despite the sweeping changes, Tinubu retained Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ensuring some semblance of continuity amidst the upheaval.

Additionally, several members from the initial list, including Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, and Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, remain on the board, alongside representatives from other regions such as Edward David Onoja and Nasiru Usman.

The reshuffle has also led to the removal of Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa, further fueling speculation about the internal dynamics influencing these changes.

The rejigged list expands the board’s membership from 15 to 16, reflecting what Onanuga described as the President’s commitment to making the Commission “a driver of growth and innovation in the South East.”

“All the nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, marking a crucial step in establishing the SEDC as a cornerstone of regional development,” the statement concluded.