Abia Nominee Declines Tinubu’s CBN Board Appointment, Senate Confirms Four Others

In a recent Senate session, Urum Kalu Eke, the nominee from Abia State for a position on the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has rejected his appointment by President Bola Tinubu. The development was announced as the Senate confirmed four other appointments to the CBN Board.

The confirmed directors are Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu. The decision to confirm these appointments followed the consideration of a screening report presented by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions.

Senator Abiru disclosed that Urum Kalu Eke was not cleared by the Committee due to his failure to appear for the screening process. Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing APC, Abia North, informed the Senate that Eke had rejected the offer, citing conflicts with his current role as a consultant with the World Bank.

President Bola Tinubu had previously written to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of five individuals, including Eke, for positions on the CBN Board. The appointed directors are Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Murtala Sagaley, Urom Kalu Eke, and Olayinka Aliyu. Tinubu’s request, in compliance with the CBN Act, was read during a plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Despite Eke’s withdrawal, the Senate proceeded to confirm the other four appointments, solidifying the composition of the CBN Board of Directors.