S’South leaders flay minister for appointing NDDC sole administrator against Buhari’s directive

Don’t cause confusion in NDDC, group warns Umana
South-South Emerging Leaders Forum (SELF) has faulted the Minister of Niger Delta, Mr. Umana Umana, over the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as the sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

SELF coordinator, Preye Johnson, in a statement, argued that the appointment of Audu-Ohwavborua was in breach of laid down rules and regulations.

The group wondered why Audu-Ohwavborua was appointed when he was not the most senior director as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“In fact, there are two most senior directors ahead of him,” the group noted, identifying them as Seigha Glasgow and Prince Alazigha.

The group threatened to drag the minister to court if the directive of the President is not obeyed.

According to forum, if the injustice against the most senior directors is not corrected, there will be no proper growth in the Commission.

It noted: “As a frontline forum of professionals in the Niger Delta, we are using this medium to call on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, to do the right thing and avoid unnecessary confusion at the NDDC by appointing the most senior director as directed by Mr. President.

“We are making this call because the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua is in contrary to the directive of the President and it is in the public knowledge that there are two most senior directors ahead of Audu-Ohwavborua.

“We hereby call on the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to recognise or allow for the change of signature by Audu-Ohwavborua as the acting Managing Director of NDDC because he is not the most senior director in the Commission as stated in the letter signed by the Ministry of Niger Delta and dated October 20, 2022.”

Recall that President Buhari relieved the Interim Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa, of his position and directed the most senior director in the commission take over the running of its affairs.