Urum Kalu Eke, a nominee for the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors, has declined the appointment, citing his current engagement with the World Bank.
The revelation came to light during Thursday’s plenary session as the Senate began the confirmation process for nominees.
President Bola Tinubu had submitted Urum’s name, along with four others, for confirmation on February 13.
Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North and a former Governor of Abia State, informed the Senate that Urum, his constituent, turned down the offer due to potential conflicts with his ongoing role as a consultant with the World Bank.
Kalu said, “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.”
Continuing with the confirmation process, the Senate, during its Thursday session, confirmed the appointments of four members to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors. The President had submitted the names of Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu for consideration.
The confirmation of these Directors followed the scrutiny of a report presented by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions. This confirmation underscores the Senate’s endorsement of these individuals to serve on the CBN Board.
Abiru said, “That the Senate do receive and consider the report of 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 the Committee did not clear Urum Kalu Eke from Abia because he failed to appear before the Committee for screening.
