Several key stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast have applauded President Bola Tinubu for making the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) a reality by signing it into law. They commended the President for ensuring that competence and national unity took precedence over partisanship in the selection of the commission’s leadership.
Tinubu’s nomination of a 16-member leadership team for the SEDC, with Mark Okoye as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, has been met with widespread approval. Okoye, a former two-term Commissioner and the current Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, is recognized for his impressive track record, while Nworgu, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, brings decades of leadership experience.
Chief Paul Chukwuma, a key APC figure and aspirant in the 2025 Anambra governorship race, expressed his support for the nominations, highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to his renewed agenda. Chukwuma, who previously served as the National Auditor of the APC, noted that the President’s appointments reflect a determination to foster growth and inclusivity, regardless of political affiliations.
“This is not about politics; it’s about delivering competent leadership for a crucial development commission. We’ve long voiced concerns about marginalization, and now we have a chance for real progress,” he said.
Pharm. Chinedu Klinsmann, a prominent APC chieftain and advocate for the SEDC’s creation, called the nominations “visionary” and said they were a clear example of the President’s dedication to ensuring that only the most qualified individuals lead regional development efforts. “This commission is about more than just politics—it’s about ensuring that the Southeast gets the leadership it deserves,” Klinsmann added.
Sam Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and chairperson of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee, also praised the President’s appointments. Onuigbo said, “President Tinubu deserves our gratitude for signing the SEDC bill and constituting its leadership. This is a powerful step toward healing past divisions and rebuilding trust within the region.”
The former two-term Federal lawmaker from Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South expressed confidence in the proposed leadership, particularly the partnership between Nworgu and Okoye. He believes they will play a crucial role in revitalizing the Southeast’s economy and restoring it to its former stature as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic regions.