The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has voiced its support for the position of the South East All Progressives Congress (APC) on the composition of the Board and Management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The group emphasised the need for equitable representation across the South East states in line with the provisions of the Act establishing the Commission.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed concern over the current appointments, which have been criticised for excluding some South East states.
Onwubiko reiterated that the Commission was established to address the peculiar developmental challenges of the region and must operate inclusively to achieve its mandate.
According to the South East APC, the SEDC Act stipulates that the Chairman of the Board should be appointed on a rotational basis among the South East states, starting with Abia State, while other Board members should include indigenes from each of the five states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
However, it has been observed that the current appointments disproportionately favor certain states, leaving others unrepresented.
The APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, commended the appointment of its Board members.
However, he highlighted significant deviations from the Act, pointing out that while Abia State received the Chairmanship position, other key positions, such as the Managing Director (MD) and an Executive Director (ED), were allocated to Anambra State, leaving Imo and Ebonyi states without representation.
“This oversight is significant as it contravenes the stipulations of the Act and risks creating a perception of inequity,” Dr. Arodiogbu had stated.
He further noted that both Imo and Ebonyi States are APC strongholds in the region and played pivotal roles in the success of the party during the last elections.
Furthermore, the APC Anambra State Chapter also raised concerns over the appointment of Hon. Mark C. Okoye, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as the MD/CEO of the SEDC.
In their letter to the President, the chapter described the appointment as a “big minus” for APC members in Anambra State.
The state chapter called for the replacement of Hon. Okoye with a staunch APC member, suggesting Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as a suitable candidate for the position. Okonkwo, a foundation member of the APC and a former Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, is described as a competent and dedicated party stalwart whose contributions to the party should be recognized.
HURIWA aligned with the observations and demands of the South East APC, emphasising that the exclusion of certain states from the SEDC Board undermines the principles of fairness and inclusiveness.
The group also criticized the appointment of non-APC members to strategic positions within the Commission, arguing that such actions could weaken the morale of APC loyalists in the region.
“HURIWA supports the call for equitable representation in the SEDC appointments. It is unacceptable that Imo and Ebonyi states are excluded from the Board, especially considering their significant contributions to the APC’s electoral success.
“This exclusion not only violates the Act establishing the Commission but also sends a wrong signal to the people of the region,” the statement read.
On the appointment of Hon. Mark C. Okoye, HURIWA urged President Tinubu to reconsider, emphasizing that appointments to such critical positions should reward party loyalty and competence.
The group backed the nomination of Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as a more fitting candidate for the MD/CEO position, citing his proven commitment to the APC and the development of the South East.
HURIWA called on President Tinubu to revisit the composition of the SEDC Board and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act. The group stressed that addressing the concerns raised by the South East APC would foster inclusivity, equity, and goodwill among the states in the region.
“The original nomination list submitted by the South East APC was prepared in full consultation with the governors of the zone and other key stakeholders.
“It is baffling that this collective decision was altered, creating unnecessary tension and dissatisfaction.
“We urge the President to restore confidence in his administration’s commitment to equity by rectifying this situation,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA further highlighted the importance of the SEDC in addressing the developmental challenges facing the South East, such as infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and security concerns.
The group urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the Commission fulfills its mandate effectively and transparently.
“As a human rights organization, we are committed to advocating for policies and actions that promote equity, justice, and development.
“The SEDC is a vital institution for the South East, and it must be managed inclusively and competently to achieve its goals,” HURIWA added.