Ohanaeze condemns attack on Kalu over SEDC board composition

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has condemned and described as unnecessary the attacks on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, over the composition of board members of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

There has been disquiet in the South-East following the announcement of the SEDC board members by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The key opposition to the appointments comes from the South-East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which expressed its discontent through Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman, South-East. He claimed that the appointments did not align with the Act that established the Commission, accusing the Deputy Speaker of misleading the President into making a biased appointment.

However, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said it was unfortunate that some Igbo personalities would always oppose any initiative as long as it did not favor their selfish motives.

“The majority of Igbos are happy with the President’s nominations and look forward to working with those appointed, who will bring the President’s development strides to the grassroots without anyone hijacking the credit. Those who are aggrieved should establish their own state development commission, as Abia State did, and leave the President to do his job.”

The youth organization further urged the Senate to screen and approve the nominees as soon as possible, emphasizing that there is a lot of work to be done and that any delay would harm the Igbos, especially with the budget approaching.

Okwu reiterated that the vast majority of Ndigbo are pleased with the list and urged the Senate to approve it quickly.

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He described the board members as eminent Igbo sons and daughters and dismissed the criticisms as unnecessary distractions.

“We are alarmed over the recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of board members for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

“Let us recall that the bill that led to the establishment of the board was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

“There is no doubt that Rt. Hon. Kalu is today the highest-ranking Igbo person in government and, in fact, the number six person in the country.

“Having established this, we find it most annoying that some people are taking his calm disposition for granted.

“Assuming, without conceding, that he influenced the list, our question is: are the members of the board not eminent Igbo sons and daughters?

“Contrary to the claims of those criticizing the list, we have also observed that it cuts across all five South-East states. So where is the bias, as alleged?

“It is obvious that those crying foul are merely doing so because their cronies were not appointed; they are not, in any way, projecting the Igbo interest.”

Okwu, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for constituting the board, urged the Deputy Speaker to remain focused and continue his good work for Ndigbo.

“The Senate should kindly screen and approve them as soon as possible, as there is work to be done and the budget is approaching. Any delay will cause the Igbos a lot.

“Ndigbo are solidly behind him. Those complaining are championing selfish interests and must not be taken seriously.

“The majority of Igbos are happy with the nominations from the President and look forward to working with those appointed, who will bring the President’s development initiatives to the grassroots without anyone hijacking the credit.

“Others who are aggrieved should establish their own state development commission, like Abia State did, and leave the President to do his job,” the Ohanaeze Youth President declared.