"Why a Technocrat, Not a Political Puppet, Should Lead the South East Development Commission"

By Ejiofor Agada

As Nigeria embarks on the ambitious journey of establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), there is a palpable sense of hope and expectation among the people of the South East. The region, known for its industrious spirit and rich cultural heritage, is poised for a new era of development. However, this potential can only be fully realized if the right leadership is put in place at the helm of the Commission. And by "right leadership," I mean a thorough-bred technocrat, not a political lackey who owes more to his godfather than to the people he's meant to serve.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a crucial decision to make. The choice of the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SEDC will set the tone for the Commission's trajectory. Will it be a beacon of development and progress, or just another bureaucratic quagmire, mired in the same inefficiencies and corruption that have plagued similar bodies in the past? The difference lies in whether Tinubu chooses a seasoned technocrat or succumbs to the pressure of political hawks from the region who are more interested in using the Commission as a tool for political patronage than in fostering genuine development.

Let’s take a detour to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for a moment. Ah, the NDDC, a body whose name alone could conjure images of gleaming infrastructure, thriving economies, and well-fed communities. But alas! The reality is more akin to a tragicomedy, where the CEOs – many of whom have been politicians with little to no expertise in actual development work – have often turned the Commission into a revolving door of mediocrity. Each new CEO comes with grand promises, but instead of roads, schools, and hospitals, what the Niger Delta often gets are white elephant projects and unfinished contracts. The Niger Delta remains underdeveloped, a sad testament to what happens when political considerations overshadow merit and competence.

One might say the NDDC has become something of a theater, where each CEO plays a role dictated not by the needs of the people but by the whims of their political patrons. And so, the region’s development lags behind, as politicians masquerading as technocrats shuffle in and out, leaving little to show for their tenures but a trail of abandoned projects and squandered funds.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian Minister of Finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has often emphasized the importance of expertise in leadership roles:

"Effective development requires not just passion but precision. It takes a leader with a deep understanding of both the macro and micro elements of the economy to drive sustainable growth. Political appointments often miss this mark, focusing on short-term gains over long-term stability."

This insight highlights the necessity of appointing a CEO with the right technical background, rather than someone who is politically connected but lacks the requisite expertise.

Also Professor Chukwuma Soludo, current Governor of Anambra State and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who is known for his pragmatic approach to economic development, stated:

"For regional development commissions to truly succeed, leadership must be anchored on competence, not politics. The CEO must have a thorough understanding of the local dynamics and a proven ability to execute projects that have real impact on people's lives."

This quote underscores the need for the SEDC’s CEO to be a leader with a robust understanding of regional issues, backed by practical experience in implementing development projects.

The South East must not follow this script. The SEDC must not become a stage for political puppetry. Instead, it must be led by a true technocrat – someone whose loyalty lies not with any political godfather but with the vision of a developed, prosperous South East. The people of the South East deserve a CEO who understands the intricacies of development, who can navigate the complexities of regional growth, and who has a track record of turning ideas into tangible outcomes.

 

So, what does the ideal candidate for the CEO of the SEDC look like?

Firstly, the person must be someone with a solid educational background in fields such as economics, urban planning, public administration, or engineering. A Master’s degree, at the very least, is essential, but a PhD would be even more desirable, particularly if it comes with research that focuses on regional development or related areas.

Beyond education, the ideal candidate must possess deep insight into the unique challenges and opportunities within the South East. They should have a comprehensive understanding of the region’s economic potential, its infrastructural deficits, and the social dynamics at play. This kind of insight doesn’t come from reading reports; it comes from years of hands-on experience in development work, preferably within the South East itself or in similar regions.

Experience, they say, is the best teacher, and the SEDC’s CEO must be a seasoned student. The person should have a proven track record of successful project management and execution, ideally in the public sector or within large-scale private enterprises that focus on development. This experience is crucial because it demonstrates the candidate's ability to not just plan but to implement – to take ideas from the drawing board to the ground where they make a real difference in people’s lives.

Moreover, the ideal CEO must be a visionary leader, someone who can see beyond the immediate challenges and craft a long-term strategy for sustainable development. They should be capable of rallying diverse stakeholders, from government officials to local communities, around a shared vision for the South East. They should also have the fortitude to stand up to political pressures and the integrity to resist the temptations of corruption that have hampered similar commissions.

In conclusion, the South East Development Commission represents a rare opportunity to rewrite the narrative of development in the region. But this opportunity can only be seized if President Tinubu appoints a technocrat with the expertise, experience, and vision necessary to lead the Commission. The people of the South East are tired of the old ways, of seeing their dreams of development dashed by political puppetry. They deserve a CEO who will work for them, not for the politicians. And who knows, with the right leadership, the SEDC might just become the success story that the NDDC never was – a shining example of what can be achieved when competence is put before politics.

 

Ejiofor Agada is a Communications and Research consultant based in Abuja - Nigeria