By Alex Enebeli
Members of the United Professionals for Umuigbo Development Initiative, have commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Obinna Ihedioha as an Executive Director of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
The group which is also known as Igbo United Professionals, gave the commendation in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Collins Ikenna, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ihedioha, who represents the South-East, was appointed Executive Director, People, Stakeholders and Communications at the NRS.
Ikenna said that the appointment was in line with the provisions of the NRS Establishment Act, which provides for six Executive Directors, one from each of the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He, however, condemned calls by a political group, the South East APC Youths, for the withdrawal of Ihedioha’s appointment, describing the calls as politically motivated and against the principles of meritocracy.
The group’s publicity secretary said that the action was against the Igbo culture, heritage and values, adding that it undermined unity among Igbo professionals.
According to him, one of the organisation’s objectives is to promote unity, professional development and socio-economic empowerment among Igbo professionals through networking and capacity-building initiatives.
He further described President Tinubu as a leader who places competence above party loyalty in appointments to sensitive positions.
“This is the quality of a leader who desires efficiency and service delivery for the overall good of the people.”
The group through Ikenna described Ihedioha as a professional with proven capacity and a strong record of performance in public and private institutions.
“His recommendation and eventual appointment were based purely on merit and not political patronage.
“Ihedioha has nearly 25 years’ experience in project finance, infrastructure investment, governance and public policy, and previously served as Senior Adviser and Head of Strategy at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.
“He played key roles in the establishment of several national institutions, including InfraCredit, the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, the Development Bank of Nigeria and other strategic investment platforms,” he added.
He therefore, urged the South East APC Youths to desist from actions capable of promoting discord among Igbo people and advised them to resolve grievances constructively rather than criticising Ihedioha.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
