By Chioma Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed support for the South East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in calling for fair representation in the appointment of the Board and Management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The organization emphasized that equitable distribution of appointments among the five South East states is vital to fulfilling the Commission’s mandate as outlined in its enabling Act.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a press statement, criticized the lopsided nature of the appointments, which he argued failed to provide adequate representation for all five South East states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. He stressed that the SEDC, which was established to address the region’s unique developmental challenges, must be inclusive to achieve its objectives.
The South East APC had previously raised similar concerns, noting that the SEDC Act mandates a rotational Chairmanship of the Board among the South East states, starting with Abia. The Act also requires each of the five states to have representation on the Board. However, the current appointments are said to disproportionately favor certain states, leaving Imo and Ebonyi unrepresented.
The APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, while appreciating the appointment of an Abia State indigene as Board Chairman, criticized the allocation of other key positions, including Managing Director (MD) and Executive Director (ED), to Anambra State, leaving Imo and Ebonyi without any key roles. He described this as a clear violation of the Act and an inequitable arrangement that does not reflect the party’s strength in these states.
Additionally, the APC Anambra State Chapter opposed the appointment of Hon. Mark C. Okoye, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as Managing Director of the SEDC. In a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the chapter described the appointment as a “big minus” for the APC and advocated for Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, a founding APC member and former senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, as a more suitable candidate.
HURIWA echoed these concerns, condemning the exclusion of Imo and Ebonyi from the SEDC Board and criticizing the appointment of a non-APC member to a critical position. The rights group called on President Tinubu to review the appointments, ensure compliance with the SEDC Act, and restore equity and fairness in the composition of the Board.
“HURIWA supports the call for equitable representation in SEDC appointments. Excluding Imo and Ebonyi from the Board is a direct violation of the Act and sends the wrong message to the people of the region. Such an approach undermines fairness, inclusiveness, and the spirit of the law,” Onwubiko said.
Regarding the appointment of Hon. Mark C. Okoye as MD, HURIWA argued that strategic roles within the Commission should be reserved for loyal members of the ruling party. The group supported the call for Okoye’s replacement with Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, a seasoned APC stalwart committed to the party’s growth in the region.
HURIWA further urged President Tinubu to re-examine the appointments to foster inclusivity and promote unity in the South East. The group noted that the original nomination list was drawn up after extensive consultations with South East governors and other stakeholders, but the final appointments deviated from this consensus, leading to discontent.
“The initial nomination list was a product of broad consultation with stakeholders, including the governors of the South East. It is troubling that this collective decision was altered, causing unnecessary tension and dissatisfaction,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group reiterated the importance of the SEDC as a vehicle for addressing the region’s development challenges, including infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and security issues. HURIWA maintained that achieving the Commission’s goals would require adherence to equity, fairness, and proper representation in its leadership and management.
“As a human rights organization, we advocate for policies and actions that promote justice, fairness, and development. The SEDC is a vital institution for the South East, and its leadership structure must reflect inclusiveness and competence,” Onwubiko said.
HURIWA reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to national unity and development. The group called on the President to address the South East APC’s concerns to restore confidence in his government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable governance.
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