By Eseoghene Emuke
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Lauretta Onochie as the substantive chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, on Wednesday, at the plenary read the nomination letters sent to the senate by the president naming 14 others as members of the board.
Onochie is currently the Special Adviser on Social Media to the president.
The President also nominated others as members of the Board including Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director of the Commission.
The letter, according to President Buhari, Ogbuku is to complete the remaining two years of the former Managing Director whose tenure was terminated by the President.
The NDDC board nominees, according to the letter, are Laureta Ifeanyi Onochie (Delta, South-South) as Chairman; Dimgba Erugba State representative (Abia, South-East); Dr Emem Wilcos Wills (Akwa Ibom, State Representative, South-South); Hon. Orok Duke (Cross River, South-South), Dr Pius Odudu (Edo, South-South); Hon. Gbenga Edema (Ondo, South-West) and Engr. Anthony Ekene (Imo, South-East).
Also on the board list are Mr. Elekwachi Dinkpa (Rivers, South-South); Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru Abubakar (Zonal Representative, Nasarawa); Professor Tallen Mamma, SAN (North-East Representative, Adamawa); Sodique Sani (North-West, Zonal Representative); General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (Rtd) (Executive Director of Finance) and Charles Ogunmola (Executive Director Project, South-West).
Buhari’s letter read, “In accordance with the provision of Section 2(2)(a) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (establishment etc.) Act. CAP N86, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, hereby present the under listed fifteen (15) names of nominees as Chairman and Members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for confirmation by the Senate. Copies of their Curriculum Vitae are attached herewith.
“While I hope that the request will receive the usual expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Senate, Please accept. Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”