The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North) as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC). The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session. Prior to this new role, Kalu chaired the Senate Committee on Privatisation.
Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was appointed as the vice chairman of the committee. Akpabio noted that other members of the committee will be announced in due course. With this appointment, Kalu—who also chaired the screening ad hoc committee on regional development commissions for the North-West and South-East—is expected to lead the SEDC in overseeing its mandate, which includes civil restitution, erosion control, security restoration, infrastructure development, and other regional initiatives.
The Senate had earlier confirmed the SEDC board following the consideration of Kalu’s report. The 18-member board will be chaired by Dr. Emeka Nworgu, while Hon. Mark Okoye will serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Other members include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Kzenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima. They also include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (E.D. Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (E.D. Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (E.D. Projects). Others are Senator Anthony Agbo (E.D. Commercial and Industrial Development) and Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development).
AT Reporter
