South-East nominee Declines Tinubu’s appointment to CBN Board

In an unexpected turn of events, Urum Kalu Eke, a nominee for membership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors, has declined the offer, citing conflicts with his current role as a consultant with the World Bank and other entities.

The revelation came to light during the Senate’s Thursday plenary when the confirmation process for the nominees commenced.

President Bola Tinubu had submitted Eke’s name, along with four others, for confirmation as members of the CBN Board.

However, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, informed the Senate that Eke had communicated to him, expressing his inability to accept the nomination due to potential conflicts of interest.

Senator Kalu quoted Eke as saying, “The nominee told me this role would conflict with his job as a consultant to the World Bank, Federal Government agencies, and other private companies.”

Despite Eke’s withdrawal, the Senate went ahead to confirm the appointment of four other nominees to the CBN Board. The confirmed directors are Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

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The confirmation followed the presentation of a screening report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru. Notably, Urum Kalu Eke was not cleared by the committee as he failed to appear for the screening process.

The development marks a unique instance of a nominee voluntarily stepping back from a position of significant responsibility, emphasizing the importance of avoiding potential conflicts and upholding ethical standards in public service appointments.