The recent appointment of the board and management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has sparked controversy and accusations of marginalization against the Igbo people by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the South East, clarifies the process, highlighting the initial bipartisan support for the commission’s establishment and the subsequent consultations undertaken to ensure balanced representation across the South East states. He emphasizes that the original list of nominees, meticulously compiled in adherence to the SEDC Act and reflecting a broad consensus among regional leaders, was inexplicably replaced with a list dominated by aides to a single House of Representatives member. This unilateral action, taken without the consent of Governor Hope Uzodinma, the recognized leader of the South East, raises concerns about fairness, accountability, and the potential misuse of funds allocated to the commission.
The alleged manipulation of the SEDC appointments has created widespread discontent among APC supporters in the South East, threatening the party’s prospects in future elections. The concentration of power in the hands of a single individual’s associates raises fears of a lack of transparency and the diversion of resources meant for regional development. Dr. Arodiogbu stresses that the original nominees possessed superior qualifications and experience compared to the appointees on the revised list, underscoring the prioritization of personal loyalty over merit. This controversy, he argues, undermines the intended purpose of the SEDC and reinforces the perception of marginalization within the South East. The perception of unfair representation could alienate voters and jeopardize the APC’s standing in the region.
Responding to concerns about the skewed appointments mirroring the practices of the previous administration, Dr. Arodiogbu expresses optimism that subsequent appointments will address the current imbalance and adequately represent the South East. While acknowledging the need for more inclusive representation, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on economic development and utilizing the SEDC as a catalyst for regional progress. He urges aggrieved individuals to embrace dialogue and negotiation as means of addressing their concerns.
Dr. Arodiogbu also addresses the controversy surrounding appointments at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, emphasizing the importance of due process and adherence to established criteria. He clarifies the distinction between fellowships and PhDs in the context of academic qualifications for leadership positions, supporting the university council’s decision to proceed with appointments based on a court ruling. He criticizes the subsequent social media announcements of dismissals without proper investigation or adherence to established procedures. He cites an Igbo proverb to emphasize the importance of considering all sides of an issue before making judgments.
On the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention, Dr. Arodiogbu acknowledges the ongoing judicial process and expresses confidence that efforts are being made to address the situation. He rejects the notion of a deliberate attack on the Igbo people, emphasizing their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and contributions to the nation’s economy. He calls for a focus on regional economic development, leveraging the potential of the SEDC to address infrastructural challenges and enhance security.
Addressing the potential candidacy of President Tinubu’s son for the governorship of Lagos, Dr. Arodiogbu dismisses accusations of tribalism against the Igbo community, highlighting their focus on business and economic activities. He notes that the president’s son has not formally declared his intention to run, emphasizing that his contributions to the party should not be a disadvantage. Dr. Arodiogbu acknowledges his colleague from the South West as the appropriate person to address questions about the potential candidacy.
Regarding the reported merger plans of opposition parties to challenge the APC in 2027, Dr. Arodiogbu expresses skepticism about their chances of success, citing internal divisions within the opposition and the growing support for the APC. He attributes the defections from other parties to the APC to the recognition of President Tinubu’s leadership and the party’s ability to deliver on its promises. He dismisses claims of APC-fueled crises within the opposition as a blame game and an attempt to deflect attention from their own internal problems. He highlights the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s performance and suggests that the issues within the Labour Party stem from their reliance on a “loaned player” during the presidential election. He attributes the defections to the APC to the “pull factor” of the party’s perceived positive attributes outweighing the “push factor” of dissatisfaction within their original parties.
Addressing criticisms of President Tinubu’s economic policies and the resulting hardship, Dr. Arodiogbu argues that reforms often entail short-term difficulties but are necessary for long-term stability and growth. He draws an analogy to the turbulence experienced during a plane’s takeoff, assuring that conditions will stabilize once the desired altitude is reached. He defends the president’s actions as necessary to prevent economic collapse, emphasizing that the opposition lacks viable alternative solutions. He believes that President Tinubu’s difficult reforms are misunderstood by much of the populace and that the opposition parties are capitalizing on this misunderstanding through misinformation.
Finally, Dr. Arodiogbu expresses confidence in the APC’s prospects in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, attributing the party’s previous loss to internal divisions and a lack of unity among aspirants. He emphasizes the lessons learned from the past and the commitment to a fair and transparent primary process. He believes that the current administration’s perceived failures and strained relationships with key stakeholders will pave the way for an APC victory in 2025. He argues that the people of Anambra State value respect and good governance over mere rhetoric, suggesting that any credible APC candidate stands a strong chance of defeating the incumbent governor.
