President Buhari Sacks NDDC Sole Administrator; Intense Lobby Mounts For Helmsman

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Effiong Akwa.

No reason was given for the removal of the NDDC boss, who was appointed in October last year.

In a statement by the Director of Press, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Patricia Deworitshe, the President also announced the constitution of a new Management Team and Governing Board of the NDDC.

According to the statement, the Board nominees will be announced later.

There have been calls for the constitution of a Management Board for the NDDC from member states to ensure their representation in the commission.

There is intense lobby among the nine member states of the NDDC for the position of the managing director of the commission with Ondo and Edo insisting that it is their turn.

A Group in the Niger Delta region Niger Delta Development Ambassadors (NDDA) has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to drum its support for Olugbenga Edema, recommended by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state for the position of the managing director of the  Commission.

In a letter signed by Awipi Lawson, Delta State, Chairman, Ekpobomini Loko,Ondo State, Secretary, the group described Edema as the round peg in a round hole for the position.

The letter, “Sir, the expectation of all Niger Delta patriots is to see an NDDC that is functional and efficient in the delivery of sustainable and all-inclusive development to the region.

“This can only be achieved with a capable, experienced, clear-headed, visionary and prudent resource MANAGER.

“Such a ‘trustee’ of the people must have an impeccable character, unblemished antecedents and verifiable records and credentials.

“It is on account of the above persuasion, that the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has singled out and recommended one of the best hands in the region, Barrister ‘Gbenga Edema, for your kind consideration as the MD of NDDC.

“Sir, as stakeholders with uncommon passion for the development of the Niger Delta, we find this recommendation quite spirit- lifting and most appropriate.

“We, therefore, affirm our unflinching support for Gbenga Edema and implore Mr President to kindly consider him for the job.

“Section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act 200) provides that, ‘There shall be for the Commission a Managing Director and two Executive Directors, who shall be indigenes of oil-producing states starting with member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate among member states in order of production.

“As would be expected, Edema hails from Ogogoro, an oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“Between 2017 to 2021, he served as Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC. He was also a Member of the Ondo State House of Assembly among others.

“Interestingly, in accordance with the NDDC Act, Mr President nominated Edema and had since been screened and confirmed by the senate with respect to the NDDC.

“On the whole, it will be a breath of fresh air for the people of the Niger Delta to have a tested and trusted servant of the people like Gbenga Edema to pilot the affairs of the Commission. This, he will do in the most meritorious way for the good of the people of the region.”