South-East Nominee for CBN Board Declines Appointment, Four Others Confirmed

By William Emmanuel Ukpoju

In a recent development, Urum Kalu Eke, the nominee from the South-East for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors, has turned down his appointment.

This development surfaced during a Senate plenary session where Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, presented his committee’s report.

According to Senator Abiru, Eke opted out of the appointment by not attending the scheduled screening, unlike the other four nominees. The nominees who did attend – Mr. Robert Agbede, Mr. Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu – successfully convinced the Senate Committee of their suitability for the positions.

During the presentation of the committee’s report, Senator Abiru recommended the confirmation of the four nominees who participated in the screening, excluding Eke. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a member of the Senate Committee representing Abia North, informed the Senate that Eke declined the appointment due to potential conflicts of interest.

Senator Kalu elaborated, explaining that Eke’s role as a consultant to the World Bank and other international financial institutions would not allow him the necessary time to fulfil his duties effectively as a CBN Director.

Despite Eke’s refusal, the Senate went ahead to confirm the appointments of the other four nominees. They were commended for demonstrating a strong understanding of economic knowledge and policies during the screening process. No petitions were lodged against any of them, and their appointments were confirmed through a voice vote presided over by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau.