Niger Delta Stakeholders Laud Tinubu on Ebie, Ogbuku’s Appointments as NDDC Chair, MD

By Vanessa Obioha

The announcement of a newly constituted board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has sparked widespread reactions among stakeholders in the South-South region. The announced made Tuesday by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, outlined the key appointments. Chiedu Ebie, an accomplished technocrat and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, has been named chairman of the commission. Samuel Ogbuku, hailing from Bayelsa state, will continue in his role as the Managing Director/CEO.

The responses to these appointments have been notably positive. Observers both within and beyond the Niger Delta region have lauded the choices made by President Tinubu. The selection of Ebie as chairman has been widely interpreted as a move that emphasizes merit over political sentiment. Stakeholders have pointed out Ebie’s extensive knowledge of the challenges faced by the oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region. With a proven track record of addressing complex issues, Ebie’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards effective leadership of the board.

“I want to particularly thank His Excellency, the President of Nigeria for appointing this board on time,” remarked Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Bubaraye Dakolo on the timely formation of a substantive board. Dakolo acknowledged the positive impact of retaining Samuel Ogbuku, emphasizing the importance of appointing capable individuals in all states.

“So, we look forward to the success of the board and a major deviation from the past because NDDC has been a show of shame in the past with countless failed projects and phantom projects. I think so far, the few months the MD has been in charge, there have been major innovations and changes towards effectiveness. We are hoping for the best outcome this season.”

The Niger Delta Youths Initiative for Peace has echoed these sentiments, hailing President Tinubu’s choice of Chiedu Ebie as NDDC chairman. “As youths who are passionate about the progress and development of the Niger Delta region, we received the announcement of Chiedu Ebie’s appointment as NDDC chairman with great joy. With this, the president has really demonstrated that he is passionate about giving our region a fresh breath of air.”

They highlighted Ebie’s experience, administrative prowess, and track record as qualities that will contribute to the region’s progress and development. The group expressed enthusiasm for a renewed approach that focuses on the core mandate of the Commission.

“We believe that Ebie would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the job. This team will realise the rapid development of the Niger Delta region, which is the core mandate of the Commission. We are delighted with this appointment and we will give him and his team our full support to succeed”.

Maxwell Asiriuwa, a public affairs analyst and rights activist, lauded Ebie’s appointment as a significant stride toward fulfilling the NDDC’s mandate. He acknowledged the agency’s historical challenges and praised Ebie’s rich political and administrative profile.

Citing his career achievements and commitment to the Niger Delta’s welfare. Chief Johnson Igobasi, a community leader in Bayelsa, expressed confidence in Ebie’s appointment. He anticipates substantial benefits for the South-South region and the nation as a whole.

“I see a president who is passionate about the vision of the NDDC, which is to create an enabling environment for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. I have known both the new Chairman and the MD for years and I can testify that they are seasoned technocrats who succeed in anything they lay their hands on. I strongly believe that with God and the cooperation of the Niger Deltans, we will see appreciable changes in the coming days.”

Other appointees of the board include Boma Iyaye – Executive Director (Finance and Admin) – Rivers; Victor Antai – Executive Director (Projects) – Akwa-Ibom; Ifedayo Abegunde – Executive Director (Corporate Services) – Ondo; Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa; Abasi Ndikan Nkono – State Representative – Akwa Ibom and Monday Igbuya – State Representative – Delta.