The Senate has made it known that Urum Kalu Eke, a nominee proposed by President Bola Tinubu for a position on the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abia State, has turned down the appointment.
This unexpected decision has sparked curiosity about the reasons behind Eke's refusal, prompting the Senate to explore alternative candidates for the role.
However, on Thursday, the Senate confirmed the appointment of four other individuals, nominated by President Bola Tinubu, to the Board of Directors of the CBN.
The confirmed directors are Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.
This confirmation followed a review by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, APC, Lagos East, which assessed the screening report of the nominees.
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru stated, “The Senate receives and considers the report on the confirmation of the nomination of the following Five (5) persons as members of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria in accordance with section 6(1), (2) (d) and 10 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
He revealed that Urum Kalu Eke from Abia was not cleared by the Committee due to his absence during the screening process.
Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC, Abia North, informed the Senate that Eke declined the offer, citing a potential conflict with his current role as a consultant with the World Bank.
In a letter to the Senate last week, President Bola Tinubu had sought the screening and confirmation of five individuals appointed as directors of the CBN board, including Robert Agbide, Ado Wanga, Murtala Sagaley, Urom Kalu Eke, and Olayinka Aliyu.
Tinubu explained that the request was in compliance with the provisions of section 6(1a) of the section 10(1)(2) of the CBN Act, 2007, stating, “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointments of the underlisted five persons as directors of the board of the CBN.”