Tinubu recently dismissed five ministers and nominated seven new ones for Senate approval. While the Women Affairs Minister, Mrs. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, from Anambra State, was replaced by Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, this reshuffle did not address existing concerns about underrepresentation in the South East. With only five ministers for its five states, the South East lags behind other regions that received additional appointments beyond the constitutional requirement of one minister per state.
Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central District (PDP), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for excluding the South East geopolitical zone in his recent cabinet reshuffle. The senator claimed that the president’s actions perpetuate regional disparities in representation.
At the inauguration of the newly renovated St. Peter’s Secondary School in Ikwuano, Abia State, Senator Akobundu expressed his disappointment, noting, “I feel shortchanged as a person, and I’m speaking for the zone.” He pledged to bring this concern before the Senate again, calling for fair representation.
Regarding the deteriorating Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene federal road, the senator shared his concerns over its impact on the region. He stated that he had secured assurances from the Minister of Works that efforts would be made to resume work on the 51-kilometer road soon, as its repair had been hindered by contractual and seasonal challenges.
On the upcoming November 2nd Local Government elections, Senator Akobundu expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances, assuring that the party would fully participate and encouraging members to showcase their capabilities.