World Bank Consultant Urum Kalu Eke Declines Nomination to CBN Board of Directors

A nomination for membership of the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors turned down by Urum Kalu Eke, who cited current engagement with the World Bank in a conversation with Senator Orji Kalu during the Senate plenary on Thursday. President Bola Tinubu had proposed Eke and four others on February 13 for confirmation to the CBN board.

However, during the confirmation process, Senator Orji Kalu informed the Senate of Eke’s rejection, stating the conflicting nature of the appointment with his consultancy work at the World Bank and other entities. Urum Kalu Eke expressed concerns that the CBN role would interfere with his engagements as a consultant to the World Bank, the Nigerian government agencies, and various private companies.

Subsequently, the Senate proceeded to confirm the appointment of four other nominees to the CBN Board of Directors, namely Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu, as they were deemed suitable by the Senate.