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The abrupt overhaul of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee list, barely a day after its publication, spotlighted the brewing political battle between Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. Analysts suggest the reshuffle reflects ongoing power negotiations, with each faction vying for strategic positioning.
The longstanding power tussle between Imo State’s Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu reached a critical point on Saturday, as both leaders clashed over who controls appointments to the newly inaugurated South East Development Commission (SEDC).
By revising his nominee list within 24 hours, President Bola Tinubu signaled his attempt to navigate the stormy waters of political contention between Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, two figures locked in a power struggle that continues to shape the political landscape.
President Bola Tinubu, often noted for his frequent reshuffling of appointments, made public a list of nominees on Friday. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Hon. Emeka Atuma was announced as the Chairman, stirring interest across political circles.
However, just a day later, a surprising development unfolded. On Saturday, a new statement was released, which saw Barr. Emeka Nworgu (PhD) replace Hon. Emeka Atuma as Chairman, signaling an unexpected shift in the President’s decision-making.
The decision of the President has been blamed on an intense power struggle between Governor Uzodinma and the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu. According to sources, Atuma was the preferred candidate of the APC South East leadership headed by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
His name and other names from the South-East were submitted to the presidency and endorsed by Uzodinma-led South East APC leadership. It was also gathered that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu lobbied the President to reshuffle the list and include his preferred candidates.
“There’s a supremacy battle going on about the appointments. The initial list containing Emeka Atuma’s name was submitted by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and the APC South East leadership, However, for unknown reasons, Benjamin Kalu influenced changes to the list to include his own candidates,” a source told SaharaReporters on the condition of anonymity.
The revised list was said to reflect the four candidates who were single handedly nominated by the Deputy Speaker while other stakeholders from the South East were exempted. His nominees include Barr. Emeka Nworgu, Stanley Ohajuruka, Clifford Ogbede, and Toby Okechukwu, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker.
Earlier it was reported that Tinubu replaced the four individuals appointed to the board of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC). The president appointed Emeka Nworgu as the new chairman of the board, replacing Emeka Atuma.
The new executive director for finance is Stanley Ohajuruka, who replaced Anthony Ugbo in the first list. Toby Okechukwu is the new executive director of projects. He replaces Obinna Obiekweihe,” Onanuga said in a statement on Saturday.
“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.”
Onanuga had said that the appointments were subject to senate confirmation, adding that the president expects the nominees to execute the commission’s mandate and develop the south-east. South-East APC In Jeopardy As Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Clashes With Imo Governor Uzodinma Over Appointments Into South-East Commission