SEDC and Arodiogbu's Tirades: Getting the Facts Straight - By Mike Ukoha

A recent interview by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman South East of the All Progressives Congress (APC), caught my attention. Unfortunately, his statements were riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation. As someone who values facts and truth, I felt compelled to set the record straight.

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Despite initial setbacks, Kalu ensured the bill's passage, which was eventually signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Contrary to Arodiogbu's claims, the SEDC bill originated in the Federal House, not the Senate. The bill's journey involved rigorous debate, conference committee reconciliation, and eventual transmission to the President for assent.

Arodiogbu's concerns about the nominees' qualifications are unfounded. The nominees, including Chief Emeka Wogu, Hon. Mark Okoye, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, Dr. Cliff Chimereze Ogbede, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Senator Anthony Agbo, and Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, boast impressive credentials and experience.

A look at the individual profile of them speaks volumes. The nominee for the Chairman of the board, Chief Emeka Wogu, is a golden fish that has no hiding place. He has made a mark in various sectors of our national life and really fits in the job very well. For the record, Chief Emeka Wogu has been a grassroot leader where he became former Chairman of Aba South LGA, Abia State. He has been a two-term Federal Commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. He has been a two-term Minister of the Federal Republic in charge of Labor and Productivity, a position that was roundly applauded.

Hon. Mark Okoye, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer designate, is currently the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Investment and Protection Agency. He was a former commissioner for economic planning/budget and development partners. Okoye has served three All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) administrations in Anambra State. He holds a degree from George Washington University, USA. He has worked tirelessly in bringing social services and investments across Anambra State.

For the Executive Director Finance nominee, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, who hails from Abia State, competence speaks. He is a two-term member/speaker of Abia State House of Assembly. Former Acting Governor; a member, Federal House of Representatives in the 6th National Assembly. Ohajuruka is a real estate guru and certified financial expert. He holds a masters degree in International Diplomacy.

Similarly, the nominee for Executive Director, Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Chimereze Ogbede is a seasoned administrator, an educationist, businessman, diplomat, and politician who has served the country at various times in different capacities. Permit me to state that Ogbede is an expert in agriculture. He organized and led the first Nigerian delegation to Ukraine on a partnership in agriculture. The federal government saw a great capacity in him before giving him such huge responsibility. He holds a doctorate degree in Public Administration from the Lviv University of Business and Law, Ukraine. Masters Degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTH), Ogbomosho, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration. He bagged his first degree from the University of Lagos. He, at various times, had contested to represent Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Also, Hon. Toby Okechukwu needs no introduction in the political firmament. He has garnered a lot of experience; and he is qualified to be the Executive Director Projects of the SEDC after chairing the Committee on works during his three times membership of the House of Representatives, where he later became the Deputy Minority Leader. He performed impressively to the admiration of many in his constituency of Aninri/ Awgu/Oji River of Enugu State. Okechukwu's portfolio as the Executive Director Projects will greatly help him to replicate what he did for his immediate constituency in terms of quality projects and empowerments for the betterment of the people of Southeast region. He is a barrister at law.

Senator Anthony Agbo, from Ebonyi State, is the designate for Executive Director, Infrastructure. He graduated from the University of Nigeria. Former Senator for Ebonyi North Senatorial District. Senator Agbo had served as the Speaker of the Old Enugu State House of Assembly and Commissioner in Ebonyi State. In addition to his political career, he is a celebrated poet.

Chief Sylvester Okonkwo is the nominee for Executive Director, Corporate Affairs. Armed with Bachelor Degree in Law (LL.B. Hons; B.L) from the University of Nigeria; he has been a corporate lawyer and an astute politician for more than two decades. He is a native of Ojoto in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State. Thus, there is no doubt that all nominees will bring their experiences to bear on SEDC.

With these impressive pedigrees, it is, therefore, out of place for anyone to question the qualifications of the nominees. In fact, it is safe to say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who did his due diligence, chose men of character with stellar academic credentials.

So, one then wonders why some people who have turned themselves into mischief makers have no good intentions for the generality of Ndigbo.

The distribution of positions within the SEDC was meticulously done, ensuring equitable representation across the five states in the southeast. Allegations of lopsided appointments are baseless.

Rather than spreading misinformation, we should unite to support President Tinubu's efforts to promote regional development. The SEDC is a vital step towards revitalizing the southeast's economy, infrastructure, agriculture, addressing insecurity, and creating opportunities for youths and women.

Let us focus on progress, not petty politics. The southeast deserves better.

Mike Ukoha is a former Minority Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly.