The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on New Media, Lauretta Ifeanyi-Onochie from Delta state as the substantive Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). 12 others were also confirmed by the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary, following their screening which was held last week Friday at the National Assembly which includes Samuel Ogbokwu from Bayelsa state as the Board’s Managing Director, who would serve for a tenure of 2 years in order to complete the term of his predecessor.
Others are Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) from Edo State and Charles Ogunmola from Ondo State for the positions of Executive Director, Finance, and Executive Director, Projects respectively.
Also confirmed are Dimgba Erugba (Abia state), Dr. Emem Wills (Akwa Ibom state), Dimaro Denyabofa (Bayelsa state), Hon. Orok Duke (Cross River state), Hon. Gbenga Edema (Ondo State) and Elekwachi Dinkpa (Rivers state).
Others are Mohammed Abubakar from Nasarawa state (Zonal Representative, North-Central), Sule Sani Sami from Kebbi state (Zonal Representative, North-West), and Professor Tahir Mamman from Adamawa state (Zonal Representative, North-East).
Their confirmation was preceded by the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs which was submitted by the Committee’s acting Chairman, Senator Buius Amos from Gombe state.
The Upper Chamber however did not confirm the appointment of a former Deputy Governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius Odubu, and Anthony Okanne from Imo State due to the duo’s non-appearance for screening.
On November 25, President Buhari had written to the Senate in a letter to confirm the appointment of his nominees which he stated was in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(2)A of the NDDC Act, Cap N86, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
