Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the South East National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), raised concerns about the recent appointments to the South East Development Commission (SEDC). His petition to President Bola Tinubu, filed on December 11, 2024, highlighted the lack of representation from Imo and Ebonyi states, despite these states being key APC strongholds. Arodiogbu emphasized that the nominations contradicted the provisions in the Act establishing the commission, which mandates rotation and fair representation from all states in the region.
In the petition, Arodiogbu wrote: “It is also pertinent to note that both Imo and Ebonyi States are strongholds of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East and were instrumental in securing votes for the APC during the last election, birthing the current administration.” He further emphasized that the current nominations deviated from these stipulations, with several key positions appointed from only two states, which he argued created a perception of inequity. Arodiogbu also noted that the initial nomination list had been prepared with input from the zone’s governors and other APC leaders but was altered without their collective input.
He concluded the petition with an appeal to the president: “I humbly appeal to you to address this matter by ensuring compliance with the Act and appointing representatives from Imo and Ebonyi states to the management. Such action would foster inclusiveness, equity, and goodwill among all states in the region.”
The full petition sheds light on the dissatisfaction among key stakeholders in the South East, calling for a more representative and fair selection process.
