By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed ex-governor Nyesom Wike’s former Chief of Staff Chukwuemeka Woke as the managing director (MD) of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).
Woke served as Chief of Staff to FCT minister Nyesom Wike when he was Rivers State governor.
He was appointed the managing director of OORBDA on May 9, 2024.
However, his appointment generated mixed reactions and protests as some groups and individuals said it was against the principle of regional representation.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 22, presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale announced that Woke had been replaced with Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.
Ngelale stated that Tinubu had moved Woke to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) as the director-general/chief executive officer.
The statement reads : “Engr. Woke, besides being an engineer, is an environmental specialist and politician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, and had served under the Environmental, Safety, and Operations Departments of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“He was Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, for many years.
“Dr. Ashiru holds a Doctorate degree in Engineering from the Common Wealth University, UK, and has led a consortium of blue-chip companies, in addition to earning many stripes in his professional endeavour.
“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officers to deploy their competencies to these critical agencies for sustainable gains and turnaround, while maintaining utmost transparency in their operations.” the statement added.