Competence over politics: Why Mark Okoye’s SEDC appointment is a masterstroke

Appointments to public offices, especially in newly created critical institutions like the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), should not be dictated by political loyalty but by competence, integrity, and a verifiable track record of achievements.

The recent appointment of Mr. Mark Okoye as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC by President Bola Tinubu exemplifies this ideal – a much-needed shift toward merit-based governance.

While some quarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State and advocacy groups like The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have criticized this decision, their position fails to recognize the pressing need for a non-partisan, pragmatic approach in addressing the socio-economic and infrastructural deficits in the South-East region.

Okoye’s career is a testament to his exceptional capabilities and dedication to public service. At just 39, he embodies a rare blend of youthful energy and extensive experience. With academic credentials from prestigious institutions like George Washington University and Harvard University, Okoye has honed his expertise in public policy, finance, and economic development. His professional journey includes over 15 years in leading investment banks, advising Nigeria’s largest publicly traded institutions and governments, and a stellar public service career that began with his groundbreaking appointment as Nigeria’s youngest state commissioner in 2016.

As Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State, Okoye introduced innovative fiscal policies that advanced the state’s development agenda. His tenure as Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) saw the agency attract over ₦65 billion in committed investments within a year.

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the appointment to an APGA member aligns with his vision of fostering national unity and reducing the toxic partisanship that has plagued Nigeria’s political landscape in the past few years. This move mirrors past appointments of individuals from opposition parties based on merit, such as Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chief Adebayo Adelabu as Minister of Power, who was at the time, a member of the Accord Party. By prioritizing competence over political affiliations, the President is putting national interest above party politics.

The SEDC, as a newly established commission, requires leaders who can operate without the distractions of political baggage. Okoye’s appointment is strategic; he represents a generation of technocrats capable of addressing the unique challenges of the South East – including youth restiveness, infrastructural deficits, and economic stagnation with innovative solutions and unrelenting focus.

Former Nigerian leaders have long emphasized the value of appointing capable individuals to public offices. The late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe once said, “No society can grow beyond the capacity of its leaders.” Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari, during his tenure, urged Nigerians to judge his administration by the competence of those appointed to key positions.

The Southeast Development Commission was established to address the lingering effects of the Nigerian Civil War and ensure the region’s socio-economic transformation. This mission cannot be entrusted to political loyalists who may lack the requisite expertise. Sacrificing credibility and competence for political expediency would undermine the commission’s objectives and betray the trust of the people it was created to serve.

While the APC Anambra State Chapter and HURIWA have voiced concerns over Okoye’s political affiliation, their arguments overlook the broader implications of his appointment. First, Okoye, through his reputed professionalism, will ensure that the SEDC remains focused on its core mandate rather than becoming a tool for political patronage. Second, his age and innovative mindset uniquely position him to understand and address the root causes of youth restiveness in the South East, a critical issue requiring fresh perspectives and dynamic solutions.

The appointment of Okoye as MD/CEO of the SEDC is a step in the right direction. It reflects a commitment to competence, national unity, and effective governance. Critics must recognize that this is not a moment for partisan politicking but an opportunity to rally behind a leader poised to deliver transformative change for the South East. As former President Goodluck Jonathan once noted, “The success of a nation depends not on the brilliance of its rhetoric but on the dedication of its actions.”

President Tinubu’s administration has shown that it values the principles of equity and inclusiveness. It is now up to stakeholders across the South East to support Okoye in his quest to build a more prosperous and resilient region. Let us prioritize competence, integrity, and a shared vision for progress over the fleeting allure of political loyalty. The South East deserves nothing less.

Jerrywright Ukwu, a journalist, writes from Abuja. He can be reached at [email protected].