Just In: South-East Nominee for CBN Board Declines Tinubu’s Appointment

In a significant development, a nominee from the South-East region for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) board has rejected the appointment made by President Tinubu.

Urum Kalu Eke, one of the nominees for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) board, has declined his appointment, causing a stir during the Senate confirmation process.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had submitted the names of Kalu-Eke and four others for confirmation by the Senate. However, Kalu Eke chose not to participate in the screening conducted by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions.

During the Senate plenary, chaired by Deputy President Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Adetokumbo Abiru (Lagos-East) presented the names of the other four nominees for confirmation. Abiru noted that Kalu Eke failed to appear before the committee for screening, making it impossible for the committee to recommend him for confirmation.

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), informed the Senate that Kalu Eke had contacted him to reject the appointment. Kalu stated that his constituent expressed concerns about potential conflicts with his current role as a consultant with the World Bank, Federal Government agencies, and private companies.

Despite Kalu Eke’s refusal, the Senate confirmed the appointments of the other four nominees: Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

Kalu Eke, 60, previously served as the Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings until December 2021. He also held executive positions at First Bank and worked with Diamond Bank Plc and Deloitte Haskins & Sells International.