By Charles Maduka
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, as Chairman of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Also confirmed was Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom as Managing Director of the Commission, along with 13 board members and five executive directors.
However, the confirmation process was not without controversy. Tijani Kaura, the nominee from the North-West, was dropped after failing to submit necessary documentation and refusing to appear before the Senate screening committee. The committee noted that he could still be screened if he presents himself at a later date.
The Senate’s confirmation followed the report of the Senate Committee on South-South Development Commission, led by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central), who presented the list of nominees.
Confirmed board members include Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), and Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta). Others are Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East), Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central), Joseph Mmamal (South-East), and Bukonola Braimoh (South-West).
The executive directors confirmed include Marcus Nie Eji (Projects, Rivers), Aganaba Preye Steven (Social and Human Capital Development, Bayelsa), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Corporate Services, Delta), Joseph Ugheoke (Commercial and Environmental Development, Edo), and Sony Abang (Finance, Cross River).
President Bola Tinubu had earlier submitted the list of nominees to the Senate, which was referred to the appropriate committee for screening. The SSDC is expected to lead strategic development across the oil-rich South-South region, focusing on infrastructural growth and socio-economic transformation.
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