Buhari sacks NDDC Sole Admin, appoints Audu-Ohwavborua acting MD

N’Delta group tasks President on next commission’s boss

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, appointed Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as acting Managing Director (MD) of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), pending the appointment of a substantive MD and members of the governing board.

Until the appointment, Audu-Ohwavborua was the most senior director at the commission.

In a memo titled, ‘Appointment of Acting Managing Director for NDDC’, signed by Director of Press, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Patricia Deworitshe, Buhari said the directive was in line with a Federal Government circular dated, December 4, 2017, with Ref. No. 50/S./C.2/268, pending the appointment of a substantive MD and members of the board.

Earlier, yesterday, Buhari had approved the disengagement of NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr. Effiong Okon Akwa.

In the memo signed by Deworitshe, Buhari had ordered that the directive was with immediate effect.

Akwa was appointed Interim Administrator for the duration of a forensic audit into the operations of NDDC, which has now been concluded.

According to Deworitshe, Buhari had also approved the constitution of a new management team and governing board of the commission, in line with Section 5(2) of the NDDC Act, 2000.

“The names of the nominees for the new management team and governing board are to be transmitted to the National Assembly for approval,” she added.

MEANWHILE, a group, Niger Delta Development Ambassadors (NDDA) stressed that the commission needs a prudent and resourceful MD to oversee the region’s growth.

It made this known in an open letter to Buhari, made available to journalists in Akure, yesterday.

The letter was signed by the chairman, Awipi Lawson (Delta State) and secretary, Ekpobomini Loko (Ondo State).

The letter reads in part, “Sir, all Niger Delta patriots expect 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, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, singled out and recommended one of the best hands in the region, Gbenga Edema, for your kind consideration.”