The ongoing dispute between Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu escalated on Saturday over appointments in the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Bola Tinubu’s decision to reshuffle his list of nominees within 24 hours of its release underscores the intense power struggle between Governor Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker Kalu.
On Friday, the President, through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, unveiled the initial list of nominees, naming Hon. Emeka Atuma as Chairman. However, in a dramatic turn of events, a revised list released on Saturday replaced Atuma with Barr. Emeka Nworgu (PhD) as Chairman.
Sources confirmed that Atuma was the preferred candidate of the APC South East leadership led by Governor Hope Uzodinma. Uzodinma’s camp had submitted Atuma’s name, along with other nominees from the South East, to the Presidency, and they were initially endorsed.
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Contrary to this arrangement, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu reportedly lobbied the President to amend the list and include his own preferred candidates. A source, speaking anonymously, stated: “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.”
The revised list now reflects that four candidates were personally nominated by the Deputy Speaker, while other South East stakeholders were sidelined. These nominees include Barr. Emeka Nworgu, Stanley Ohajuruka, Clifford Ogbede, and Toby Okechukwu, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker.
As the tussle continues, insiders suggest that more surprises may emerge before or during the Senate’s screening and confirmation of the nominees.
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