From Kenneth Udeh from Abuja
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ohafia/Arochukwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, has commended the appointment of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North) as the chairman of the Senate Committee on the newly established South-East Development Commission.
The Senate, presided over by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had on Tuesday announced the reshuffling of its standing committees, which also included the appointment of substantive chairmen and deputy chairmen of the regional development bodies recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Akpabio announced Senator Kalu as the chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, and Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was named the deputy chairman.
Reacting to the development, the political and business entrepreneur said that Kalu’s wealth of experience as a two-term governor and ranking legislator would contribute enormously to the achievements of the laid-down objectives of the commission.
According to a statement from his media office on Tuesday, Ogbonna, popularly known as “Ignes”, lauded the Senate President and other members of the Senate for supporting Kalu’s appointment.
He noted further that Kalu’s antecedents in the Senate have proven that he will leave no stone unturned in leading the committee in conducting its oversight functions to assist the commission in discharging its duties effectively in the overall interest of the South-East region.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate Senator Kalu on his appointment as the Senate Committee Chairman on the South-East Development Commission.
“Over the years, Kalu has proven his leadership abilities, administrative and intellectual capacities, which are evident in his senatorial district.
“His unwavering commitment to public service undoubtedly added to his appointment by the Senate, which is well deserved.
“As a former governor, accomplished businessman, and ranking senator, there’ll be no doubt that his leadership will accelerate the restoration of the South-East’s glory among the committee of states of our dear nation.”
While assuring of his unalloyed support, Ignes further urged all stakeholders to rally around Senator Kalu and the committee to ensure the success of the SEDC in addressing critical developmental challenges in the region.
Kalu’s appointment followed the confirmation of the board membership of the commission after they underwent a thorough screening process conducted by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu himself.
Confirmed executive management and board members include:
Dr. Emeka Worgu – Chairman,
Hon. Mark C. Okoye – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Sylvester Okonkwo – Executive Director, Corporate Services,
Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka – Executive Director, Finance,
Hon. Toby Okechukwu – Executive Director, Projects,
Sylvester Okonkwo – Executive Director, Corporate Services,
Sen. Anthony Agbo – Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial Development,
Dr. Clifford Ogbede – Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development.
Others are:
Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah – Member,
Hon. Okey Ezenwa – Member,
Chief Hyacinth Ikpor – Member,
Chidi Echeazu – Member,
Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Ph.D. – Member,
Nasiru Usman – Member,
Hamma Adama Ali Kumo – Member,
Edward David Onoja – Member,
Orure Kufre Inima – Member,
Daniel Akwari – Member,
Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma – Member