A coalition of Southeast lawmakers, Ohanaeze Youth Movement, led by Barr. Uche Nnadi, and chairpersons of political parties in the region, led by Action Alliance National Chairman, Kenneth Udeze, have expressed their support for the recent recomposition of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) board.

The lawmakers backing the move include Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Afam Ogene, Hon. Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Hon. Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Hon. Chris Nkwonta (Abia), and Hon. Sunday Umeh (Enugu).

On Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a new list of nominees to the Senate, replacing all three initially nominated executive directors and adding two new appointments.

In response, the lawmakers, youth group, and minority parties issued a joint statement welcoming the board reshuffle.

They also praised Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other lawmakers who championed the Bill and ensured its passage into law.

The statement read, “The reconstitution of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) board by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a welcome development. The President has appointed individuals with strong track records to manage the commission and drive South East development forward.”

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The group expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Stanley Ohajuruka as the new Executive Director for Finance, Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects, and Sylvester Okonkwo as Executive Director of Corporate Services.

They also welcomed the nominations of Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede as executive directors.

Also, the group noted the retention of several key figures, including Ugochukwu Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Edward Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.

The statement added, “We commend our leader, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and all lawmakers who sponsored and worked tirelessly to ensure the Bill became law.

This marks the first time in nearly six decades since the Nigerian civil war that the federal government has demonstrated serious commitment to the rehabilitation of the South East, a region deeply affected by the war. We are confident that the new appointees, with their proven integrity, will fulfill the SEDC’s mandate of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and leading the region toward economic prosperity.”