President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of board chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across 42 federal organizations has sparked debate over the glaring under-representation of the South-East geopolitical zone.
Critics argue that the zone, which boasts a wealth of capable professionals and loyal party members, has been reduced to an afterthought in the national scheme of things.
According to the appointment list released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, only three notable South-East individuals were named in the latest reshuffle:
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC South-East Vice Chairman (appointed Chairperson of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi); Hon. Emma Eneukwu, APC National Vice Chairman (South) (appointed Chairperson of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri); and Augustine Umahi, brother of Works Minister and former Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi (appointed Chairperson of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital).
This marginal appointments is further compounded by the recycling of existing party office holders, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity.
Of the 45 board chairpersons announced, only six are from the South-East, a figure many deem unacceptable given the Zone’s contributions to national development and to the ruling party.
Observers question the rationale behind the appointments, with some accusing the Tinubu administration of sidelining other core party loyalists and stakeholders in the South-East who have worked tirelessly to bolster the APC’s foothold in the zone.
“Why recycle those already holding positions in the party?” an APC chieftain in Owerri who spoke on condition of anonymity asked.
He emphasized the need to empower new faces in the party rather than consolidating influence within a select few.
The appointments starkly contrast with the Northern and South West zones, which received a significantly higher number of board chairpersons.
For instance, states like Kano and Kaduna boast multiple chairmanship positions, while the South-East struggles with an “infinitesimal” representation.
Some aggrieved party members from the South-East are calling for a reevaluation of the appointments to reflect the principles of equity and federal character.
A party stalwart from Anambra State,Hon. Ifeanyi Nnebolisa told this newspaper, “This is a clear case of marginalization. It’s not just about numbers but about recognizing the contributions of the South East to the APC’s success in the 2027 general elections”
Some party members who also spoke on condition of anonymity said the lack of inclusion could also fuel discontent within the zone, undermine efforts to strengthen the weak APC base in the zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Outside the party, critics warn that failure to address these grievances might erode trust in the government’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
Paul Onwa, a public policy analyst urged President Bola Tinubu to balance future appointments to be made by his administration.
Onwa said “To foster national cohesion and uphold the federal character principle, I urge President Tinubu to balance future appointments to ensure that every zone feels adequately represented. A deliberate effort to integrate qualified professionals and loyal party members from underrepresented zones like the South-East will be crucial in maintaining the APC’s credibility as a national party.
“For now, however, the underwhelming appointments signal a missed opportunity to reaffirm the South-East’s stake in national governance”he concluded.
SOUTH EAST FEDERAL BOARD CHAIRPERSONS
1.Nigerian Institute Of Science Laboratory Technology- Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa (Abia)
2.Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja- Nze Chidi Duru (Anambra)
3.Federal Medical Centre, Owerri- Hon Emma Eneukwu (Enugu)
4. Federal Medical Centre- Umuahia -Mr Uguru Mathhew Ofoke (Ebonyi)
5. David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu- Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu (Imo)
6. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital- Augustine Chukwu Umahi (Ebonyi)