In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has announced the removal of Chukwuemeka Woke from his position as the Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).

The announcement was made by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Woke, who previously served as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, was appointed to lead the OORBDA on May 9, 2024. His appointment, however, was met with significant criticism.

In a statement, Ngelale revealed that Woke would be succeeded by Dr. Adedeji Ashiru and reassigned to serve as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The statement provided a brief on Woke's background, noting his engineering expertise, environmental specialization, and political experience.

It highlighted his educational qualifications in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering and his previous roles within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as well as his political career as Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area and Chief of Staff at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

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.”