Group Demands Review as Delta is Excluded from Senate Committees

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA) has raised its voice against the recent composition of the Senate committees, expressing deep concern over the exclusion of Delta State from heading any of the 74 standing committees announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

NDDA, a pan-Niger Delta group, made this known during a press conference yesterday in Abuja to address the non-allocation of committee chair seats to Delta State senators.

The Convener of the group, Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe asserted that the Senate leadership’s decision is a disheartening blow to Delta State’s development and contributions to Nigeria’s growth, both economically and otherwise.

Highlighting the importance of fair representation in Nigeria’s nascent democracy, Iteveh emphasised that the viability of the legislature hinges on its ability to genuinely represent the interests and aspirations of all Nigerians.

He said: “ Delta State, renowned for its substantial economic contribution to the nation, particularly through its share of crude oil derivation statistics, has found itself at the centre of this brewing controversy.

“ While states like Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Bayelsa secured committee chair seats, Delta State has been left empty-handed, causing concern about the fairness of the selection process.”

The group further emphasised   on the crude oil derivation statistics of the Niger Delta region, revealing the stark contrast between the economic contribution of Delta State and its absence from the committee leadership roles.

He also noted the allocation of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) chairmanship to Cross River State, a move that baffles many, given its limited shareholding in the commission.

The group further called for equitable representation and the fair distribution of committee chair seats underscores the broader challenges that Nigeria’s democracy faces.