Appoint an Itsekiri indigene Chairman of NDDC, Odeli tasks Buhari

An Itsekiri Patriot and Niger Delta Activist, Prince David Odeli, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to appoint an Itsekiri indigene as Chairman of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Speculations are rife that following pressures from critical stakeholders from within and outside government, President Buhari, would soon appoint substantive members of the NDDC Board and send same to the National Assembly for confirmation, before they will be inaugurated to administer the Commission.

Prince Odeli, who made the call during a telephone interview with Fresh Angle International, Saturday May 29, stated that his position was in line with relevant provisions of the NDDC Act.

According to the community development advocate, Itsekiri Nation produces the highest quantum of crude oil in Delta State with reasonable production percentage in neigbouring Edo State.

While noting that the last substantive Board of the NDDC had no Itsekiri indigene as executive member, Odeli opined that it was irrational for a Deltan from Delta Central, who occupies prominent position in the Federal Government and eyeing Delta State Governorship seat in 2023 to be pressuring President Buhari to disregard call for an Itsekiri to be appointed the next Chairman of NDDC Board.

He posited that the NDDC Act is clear enough on the policy of rotating the chairmanship position amongst member - states, with strong consideration for production quantum in appointments, adding: "It is only reasonable for someone who wants Delta Governorship Seat to shift to Delta Central in 2023, to support an Itsekiri indigene to become the next Chairman of NDDC, for equity, fairness and in line with the Act setting up the Commission, so as not to be seen as a bigot".

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