Group Rejects Appointment of PDP Member As NDDC Ondo Representative, Depriving State As Helmsman

By Ayodele Oni

Mixed reactions have been trailing Tuesday’s appointments of board members and state representatives of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), by President Bola Tinubu.

A group in Ondo state, Progressive Advocates Initiative, while condemning choice of the state in the NDDC board, noted that continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has really affected various appointments made by President Tinubu.

The group, in a letter to the president and signed by its chairman and secretary, Augustine Akinkunmi, Adebayo Adubiaro, respectively lamented that “Unfortunately, the absence of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, whose tireless efforts in supporting and working for our party have been remarkable, has allowed for certain actions and manoeuvres that undermine those who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the party’s cause.

“We believe that the governor’s absence has created a void that has allowed for the continuation of these moves that are undermining the very individuals who have risked everything for the success of our party.”

According to the group, it is the turn of Ondo to produce the managing director of the oil commission, going by procedure for picking top officers of the commission.

It added that apart from this, the nomination of Ifedayo Abegunde as executive director is against the NDDC act, while that of Kolade Akinjo was wrong as he is a card carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

“First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that it is the turn of Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“For several years, Bayelsa State has occupied this position, creating an imbalance in the representation of different states within the NDDC.

“As a state that has made significant contributions to the development of the oil and gas sector, Ondo State deserves its fair share of the leadership of this crucial organisation.

“As you are aware, Bayelsa State currently holds the position of Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, while Akwa Ibom State holds the position of Minister of State, Gas Resources, and Edo State holds the position of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Given these existing appointments, it is only just and equitable that Ondo State, as the fifth largest producer of crude oil in Nigeria, assume the position of Managing Director of the NDDC.

“This would ensure a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities among the oil-producing states and promote inclusivity in the decision-making processes of the commission.

“Your Excellency, the current Managing Director, was given a two-year tenure by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the residue of Bayelsa State’s tenure.

“Chief Samuel Ogboku was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete what was considered a two-year residue.

“However, following the dissolution of the former board, where Ondo State was clearly short-changed, Bayelsa State should not be granted another four-year term.

“Therefore, it is only fair and just that Ondo State be given the opportunity to produce the managing director.

“Furthermore, we would like to highlight a specific concern regarding the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs.

“It has come to our attention that Hon. Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of Ondo State, which is in direct violation of Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act 2000, as amended. Hon. Abegunde hails from Akure South Local Government, which is not an oil-producing area of Ondo State.

“Mr President, one of the major concerns we also wish to highlight is the nomination of Hon. Kolade Akinjo as the representative of Ondo State on the board.

“It will interest you to know that Hon. Akinjo was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25th House of Representatives election for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.

“However, he lost to our great party, the APC. We find it demoralising that the first political position coming to the area has been given to a member of the opposition party. This raises questions regarding the reward for loyalty within our party.

“Moreover, we are fully aware of the individuals behind these nominations and appointments and their motivations. During the tenure of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the current Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, served as the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, while Mr. Akinjo was a member of the committee.

“It is evident to us that these appointments were made as a result of a prearranged arrangement to undermine the loyalists of our party. We strongly believe that such actions do not serve the best interests of our party and its long-term stability.”