The South East National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he considers lopsidedness in the appointments of Board and Management members of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The petition according to him, is for the President to revisit the appointments to reflect all inclusiveness in the zone.
It would be recalled that the appointments of the Board and Management members of the SEDC have been that of controversies, as the Presidency had made a change of the appointments within 24 hours.
Arodiogbu, in his petition, said, “With a high sense of responsibility and loyalty and on behalf of the people of the South East, I extend our profound appreciation to you for the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
This is a monumental step towards fostering sustainable development in our region and addressing the unique challenges facing our communities.
“Furthermore, | commend your decisive action in promptly appointing the Board and management of the Commission. This swift move highlights your unwavering commitment to the development of the South East and speaks volumes about your dedication to inclusive governance.
“However, I wish to respectfully bring to your attention certain concerns regarding the composition of the Board and management of the SEDC. In reviewing the Act establishing the Commission, it is stipulated that:
“The Chairman of the Board should be appointed on a rotational basis among the South East states, starting with Abia State.
“Other Board members are required to be indigenes from each of the South East states.
“Unfortunately, the current nominations deviate from these provisions. While the chairman was duly appointed from Abia State the other members including a Managing Director (MD) from Anambra State: an Executive Director (ED) also from Anambra State and another Executive Director from Abia State. Notably, no representatives were appointed from Imo State and Ebonyi State. This oversight is significant, as it contravenes the stipulations of the Act and risks creating a perception of inequity.
“It is also pertinent to note that both Imo and Ebonyi States are strongholds of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East and were instrumental in securing votes for the APC during the last election, birthing the current administration.
“Your Excellency, the original nomination list submitted to you sir, by our zone factored in all these considerations, as it was prepared in full consultation with the governors of the zone.
“The signatures of the two APC South East Governors, the APC Deputy National Chairman from the zone, and the National Vice Chairman of the APC for the zone were all appended to the list. It is therefore baffling that the current nomination, as announced, was championed by one individual, thereby altering the collective will of the entire leadership of the South East zone.
“I have received numerous complaints from key stakeholders within the zone, prompting my decision to write to you to revisit the nomination and review the earlier, ill-advised nominations.
“Your Excellency, I humbly appeal to you to address this matter by ensuring compliance with the Act and appointing representatives from Imo and Ebonyi States to the management. Such action would foster inclusiveness, equity, and goodwill among all states in the region.
“Once again, I express our gratitude for your visionary leadership, unwavering support, and steadfast commitment to the development of the South East.”
