—- Appointments, to opposition party questions reward for loyalty
—- Says Akeredolu’s absence created a void
A group, within the All Progressive Congress, the Progressive Advocates Initiative, has rejected the recent appointments in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It has therefore called for the principle of rotational leadership within the Commission.
The group, lamented that Ondo state whose turn was to produce the Managing Director of the commission was shortchanged.
A letter to President Bola Tinubu, signed by the groups, Chairman, Augustine Akinkunmi and Secretary, Adebayo Adubiaro, requested for his intervention in ensuring that “Ondo State rightfully assumes the position of Managing Director.
The letter reads” First and foremost, we would like to emphasise that it is the turn of Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“For several years, Bayelsa State has occupied this position, creating an imbalance in the representation of different states within the NDDC.
” As a state that has made significant contributions to the development of the oil and gas sector, Ondo State deserves its fair share of the leadership of this crucial organisation.
“We firmly believe that by appointing a Managing Director from Ondo State, the NDDC will benefit from the rich experiences and insights that Ondo State brings to the table.
“Ondo State has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas sector, and its active participation in the leadership of the NDDC will undoubtedly contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the commission’s mandate.
“Your Excellency, the current Managing Director, was given a two-year tenure by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the residue of Bayelsa State’s tenure. Chief Samuel Ogboku was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete what was considered a two-year residue.
“Furthermore, we would like to highlight a specific concern regarding the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs. It has come to our attention that Hon. Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of Ondo State, which is in direct violation of Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act 2000, as amended.
“According to this Act, anyone occupying the position of Executive Director must hail from the oil-producing area of the state. In Ondo State, Ilaje Local Government is the only council that falls within the oil-producing LGA category.
” However, Hon. Abegunde hails from Akure South Local Government, which is not an oil-producing area of Ondo State.
“Sections 12 (1) of the Act stipulates thus: “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production.”
” By doing so, you will not only uphold the rule of law but also promote transparency and accountability in the selection process.
“Mr President, one of the major concerns we also wish to highlight is the nomination of Hon. Kolade Akinjo as the representative of Ondo State on the board.
“It will interest you to know that Hon. Akinjo was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25th House of Representatives election for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.
“However, he lost to our great party, the APC. We find it demoralising that the first political position coming to the area has been given to a member of the opposition party. This raises questions regarding the reward for loyalty within our party.
“Moreover, we are fully aware of the individuals behind these nominations and appointments and their motivations. During the tenure of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the current Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, served as the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, while Mr. Akinjo was a member of the committee.
” It is evident to us that these appointments were made as a result of a prearranged arrangement to undermine the loyalists of our party. We strongly believe that such actions do not serve the best interests of our party and its long-term stability.
“Unfortunately, the absence of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, whose tireless efforts in supporting and working for our party have been remarkable, has allowed for certain actions and manoeuvres that undermine those who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the party’s cause.
” We believe that the governor’s absence has created a void that has allowed for the continuation of these moves that are undermining the very individuals who have risked everything for the success of our party.
“Furthermore, we have received credible information that the attack and bombing of the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, the governor’s hometown, was a result of his unwavering insistence that Ondo State must produce the next Managing Director of the NDDC.
“Mr. President, we appeal to your wisdom and leadership to reconsider these appointments and ensure that deserving and loyal members of the APC are given the opportunity to serve.
” We firmly believe that rewarding loyalty within our party is crucial for fostering unity, trust, and progress.
The group added that ” By rectifying these appointments, you will not only restore faith and confidence among our party members but also demonstrate our commitment to fairness and justice and the principle of rotational leadership within the NDDC.
