The nomination of Lauretta Onochie, a presidential aide, by president Muhammadu Buhari as the chairperson of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been confirmed by Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, the senate.
The upper legislative chamber confirmed her and 12 other nominees.
Their confirmation was sequel to the presentation of a report by Amos Bulus, chairman of the Niger Delta committee, on Tuesday.
The Senate however stepped down the confirmation of former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Egberanwen Odubu, State Representative, Edo State, South and Engr. Anthony Okanne, Imo State, South East for non appearance for screening before the Committee.
Also confirmed were Dimgba Erugba (State Representative, Abia, South-East; Dr. Emem Wilcos Wills, State Representative, Akwa Ibom, South -South; Elder Dimaro Denyabofa, State Representative, Bayelsa State, South -South; Hon. Orok Duke, State Representative, Cross River, South-South; South-East and Hon. Gbenga Edema, State Representative, Ondo State, South – West.
Others were Elekwachi Dinkpa, State Representative, Rivers State, South-South; Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Abubakar, ( Zonal Representative, Nasarawa State, North-Central; Alhaji Sule Iko Sadeeq Sani Sami (Zonal Representative, Kebbi State, North-West; and Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, (Zonal Representative, Adamawa State, North-East.
Recall that the Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, APC, Sokoto East had on Tuesday last week read the Executive Communication from President Buhari that the Upper Chamber do consider the request on the confirmation for the appointment as Chairman and Members of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in accordance with the provisions of section 2( 2)( a) of the Niger Delta Development Commission( Establishment) Act, Cap N86 LFN.
The president had earlier in the year submitted Onochie’s name as one of commissioners for INEC to replace one the outgoing ones but the move was greeted with outrage and was rebuffed by members of the public because of Onochie’s political allegiance to the ruling party.
Subsequently the nomination was rescinded and she was later put forward as NDDC chairperson.
More to follow…