The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has come under intense criticism for his recent comments on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) board appointments.
Hon. Elton Onwu, a chieftain of the party and former Zonal Anchor of the APC/Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement titled: ARODIGBO EXPOSED: Unveiling His Web of Lies, Ignorance Surrounding SEDC Board Appointments and made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, described Arodiogbu’s claims as “grossly misleading” and “baseless.”
Onwu also expressed disappointment over Arodiogbu’s assertion that the “appointees to the SEDC are unqualified”.
He stressed that, Chief Emeka Wogu, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, and Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, a two-time former Speaker of a State House of Assembly, are more than qualified for their respective positions.”
Onwu also challenged Arodiogbu to produce evidence to support his claim that Wogu and Ohajuruka are personal aides of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
“They are not personal aides of the Deputy Speaker,” Onwu clarified.
Furthermore, Onwu disputed Arodiogbu’s account of a stakeholders’ meeting where names were chosen, without mentioning Kalu’s name. “This is suspicious, to say the least,” Onwu noted.
Onwu also corrected Arodiogbu’s claim that Late Senator Ifeanyi sponsored the SEDC bill. “This is a blatant falsehood. The actual SEDC bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu, was received by the Senate with the number HB626 and was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The list of nominees approved by President Tinubu reflects a diverse representation from the five states of the South East, Onwu added. The nominees include notable individuals such as Hon. Mark C. Okoye, Managing Director (MD) (Anambra); Dr. Emeka Wogu, Chairman (Abia); Sylvester Okonkwo, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs (Anambra); Toby Okechukwu, Executive Director, Projects (Enugu); Anthony Agbo, Executive Director, Infrastructure (Ebonyi) ; Dr. Clifford Ogbede, Executive Director, Agriculture (Imo); Stanley Ohajuruka, Executive Director, Finance (Abia); Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah (Enugu); Hon. Okey Ezenwa (Anambra); Chief Hyacinth Ikpor (Ebony); Chidi Echeazu (Anambra); Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu (Imo); Nasiru Usman (North West); Hamman Adamu AG Kumo (North East); Edward David Onoja (North Central); Orure Kufre Inima (South South); Daniel Akwari (Abia) and Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma (South West).
Onwu noted that Arodiogbu’s allegations against Kalu are not only baseless but also misleading.
“It’s clear that Arodiogbu is trying to malign Kalu’s character and undermine his efforts to develop the South East.
“Surprisingly, Arodiogbu does not seem to know that the Deputy Speaker does not possess the constitutional powers to make nominations to the board of any government agency, including the SEDC. This responsibility lies solely with the Presidency.
“Therefore, it is absurd to suggest that Kalu could have hijacked a list compiled by the Presidency. “Arodiogbu’s claims are not only false but also laughable,” Onwu said.
Onwu called on Arodiogbu to focus on supporting the legislative efforts of Deputy Speaker Kalu to bring democracy dividends to the South East, rather than spreading misinformation and maligning Kalu’s character.
“It’s time for Arodiogbu to put the interest of the South East above his personal interests and work towards the development of the region,” Onwu said.
He said the South East Development Commission (SEDC) was established to address the developmental challenges facing the South East region. The commission is expected to play a crucial role in promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare in the region.
He added that appointment of the SEDC board members has been widely commended by stakeholders in the South East, who see it as a significant step towards the development of the region.
