JUST IN: President Tinubu sacks Wike’s ally after backlash

Chukwuemeka Woke has been dismissed by President Bola Tinubu from his position as Managing Director (MD) of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).

This information was released in a statement on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman.

As the governor of Rivers State, Woke served as Chief of Staff to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Remember that on May 9, 2024, President Tinubu appointed him to be the head of the authority?

However, there was considerable controversy following Woke’s selection, with several persons and groups claiming it went against the notions of familiarity and regional representation.

Woke had been replaced, Ngelale claimed, by Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.

Ngelale said 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.”