…Reconstitution of NDDC board Buhari’s 80th birthday gift to Niger Delta – Group
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Lauretta Onochie from Delta, as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The upper chamber also confirmed the appointment of 14 members for the commission.
This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs at Tuesday’s plenary.
Meanwhile, a citizens-led anti-sabotage organisation under the aegis of The Natives has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the reconstitution of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, as a birthday gift for the region.
The group, in a statement released Tuesday in Abuja by its leader, Smart Edwards, also congratulated the President on his 80th birthday anniversary.
According to the group, Mr Buhari has stabilised democracy not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa as attested to by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden.
Mr Edwards, therefore, urged the elders and all the people of Niger Delta to reciprocate the good gesture of Mr Buhari by giving necessary support to the new board and the nominee for NDDC Managing Director, Sam Ogbuku.
“The current administration of President Buhari has faced most turbulent times with multiple recessions and Covid-19 but has been able to steer the ship of Nigeria faithfully.
“Although your traducers will find it disturbing, the truth is that you held the Nation that was well at the combustion stage. From Cattle rearing challenge to IPOB, to Boko Haram/ISWAP, to corruption fight and corruption fighting back, to citizen-focused activities.
“Such as Amnesty, MarketMoni, Humanitarian N-Power, Anchor Borrowers Programmes, Covid-19 interventions, free and fair elections, among others, we can’t but pour out these encomiums on you with encouragement to finish strong.
“We are using this medium to appreciate the approach of Mr. President towards NDDC while sanitising it.
“Indeed hell was let loose, scores of scandals and scams all came to the fore, but you stayed forthright, committed and determined to give it a new face, you listened to the governors, embarked on the forensic investigation despite the onslaught of desperate politicians and opportunists, who got weary of any efforts to establish a new order.
“Indeed you are a man of legacies, you will not be forgotten. NDDC this is your golden opportunity,” the statement said.
While commending Mr Buhari for the reconstitution of the NDDC Board, The Natives said: “This is a major lifeline offered again by the President to our people, it started with forensic investigation and then the desire for the rightful compensation of the region by giving it a substantive Board.
“This is surely a new beginning and thus deserves the cooperation of all.
“We are calling on all Niger Deltans to embrace the new board without rancour, to pull themselves together in love in the interest of its people, to show the world that the welfare of its people is a priority in the hearts of their leaders than personal gains of private individuals.
“This Board is designed as a square peg in a square hole, the people want development and that is the interest of President Buhari, hence we will not fold our hands to watch a powerful few sabotage this good intention.
“We must begin to be deliberate as a nation, President Muhammadu Buhari has signalled a new order and has chosen a woman to head the Board, signifying the need for a passionate motherly touch he expects from projects and programmes of the agency for its people.
NAN
