Some groups in Southwest on Tuesday rejected the appointment of Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
Woke, an ally of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, served as his Chief of Staff when he was governor of Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu last week appointed Woke to succeed Olufemi Odumosu as the MD of OORBDA.
But some groups in the Southwest where the agency is domiciled have rejected Woke’s appointment, saying it disregards the principle of familiarity and regional representation.
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The groups are the Concerned Southwest Social Developmental Group (CSSDG) and the concerned Osun Pro-Tinubu Group, PATS 4 BATS.
Expressing their discontent at a gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the CSSDG spokesperson, Adeyemi Akande, said “The appointment of Chukwuemeka Woke as MD is a blatant disregard for our regional representation. Past appointments have always been based on ethnic considerations, ensuring the appointed MDs are well-versed and understand the nuances of our region.”
Akande continued, “Our concern is not just about this specific appointment but the broader pattern it represents. This deviation from established norms undermines the pool of capable hands within the Southwest.”
Also, the Osun Pro-Tinubu Group, PATS 4 BATS “Passionately condemned the action taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” saying the “Appointment undermines the principle of regional inclusivity and demands a reconsideration of the decision to ensure fair representation within the authority.”