From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Against the backdrop of some cynics, questioning the tenure of the current governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has provided insight on the issue, stating that the members were appointed for a four-year tenure as equally cleared by the Senate.
According to a press statement issued by the Commission and made available to The Authority in Owerri, Imo State capital Ogbuku said it point blank that the insinuations in some quarters, that his tenure as the Managing Director of the Commission would end this year, was false and without any foundation of federal government endorsement.
He informed that subject to the provision of section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act, “a member of the board other than ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.”
The Managing Director also observed that those pushing for the truncation of the tenure of the NDDC Board were not happy that members were working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku expressed dismay that in spite of the efforts of the NDDC Board and management to deliver on quality projects and programmes, some people with selfish and unpatriotic motives were working behind the scene to return the commission to the days of instability and non-performance.
He further reassured that nothing would distract the Board and Management from holding fast to its mantra of Transiting from Transactions to Transformation.
Even as the youthful administrator passionately advised those with pecuniary interest scheming for undo change of batons at NDDC to hold their breath as President Tinubu re-appointed them for another term of four years, noting that the region should be ready to see more legacy and people-oriented projects and programmes.
Ogbuku said it point blank that as soon as the 2024 budget of the Commission was signed into law, the on-going efforts to complete legacy projects by the board and management of the Commission would gain momentum, pointing out that the plan in the budget was to raise N1 trillion from development and commercial banks for the completion of legacy projects spread across the Niger Delta region.
The essence he assured is to fast track development and transformations in all the nooks and crannies of Niger Delta region.
