Chris Awhawha
A Warri based pressure group, the Itsekiri Development Forum,IDF, has stated that those calling for the dissolution of the current Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Board are being mischievous and bent on distracting and derailing the good works of the board and seeking to return to Commission to the inglorious days when it was the cash crow of some few privileged Nigerians.
The IDF in a statement made available to journalists in Warri, Wednesday and signed by Prince Emma Okotie-Eboh and Prince Shola Emiko Amoye, President and PRO respectively are reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the tenure of the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel-led board would expire this 2024.
The duo disclosed that the Board’s tenure is for a first term of 4- years, adding that they were inaugurated in 2023 and still have the benefit of a second tenure at the instance and privilege of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act.
According to the IDF, “the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led board has embarked on the execution sustainable legacy projects and program across the Commission’s mandate area cutting through all strata of human capital and infrastructural development never before witness in the Niger Delta, even as it has demonstrated prudent financial management acumen as against the previous regimes”.
They posited that the current board is made up of technocrats and tested administrators with varied expertise and are already setting an enviable pace in the Commission’s history that has exhibited their commitment to the equitable distribution of sustainable projects across board to the admiration of Niger Delta indigenes.
While expressing his continued support for the progressive developmental strides of the board in achieving the goals and meeting the aspirations of the region in line with President Bola Tinubu mantra, and called on all true Niger Deltans to give maximum support to the board for greater democracy dividends and desist from causing unwarranted distraction to a performing team.