…Okays forensic audit in NDDC
…Directs Ministry of Niger Delta to supervise commission
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of the controversial Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Igbere TV reports.
This was contained in a series of tweet sighted by Igbere TV on the President’s verified and official Twitter handle, @MBuhari, on Thursday.
Buhari also okayed the ongoing forensic investigation into NDDC’s past affairs, directing that the interim team constituted by Minister Godswill Akpabio remain.
The President also formally ordered that the supervision of the Commission shall remain under the Akpabio’s Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
According to the statement, “The Interim Management Team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be in place till the forensic audit is completed.
“I have given approval for the re-composition and inauguration of the Commission’s Board after the forensic audit is completed.
“Supervision of the NDDC shall remain under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs”, President Buhari tweeted on Thursday.
Until now, the yet-to-be inaugurated NDDC board, which was confirmed by Senate, had Dr. Pius Odubu, a former Governor of Edo state as chairman.
The development gave rise to protests, with many saying it was not yet time for Edo to clinch the post. Rumour however has it that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state was behind the several petitions and court actions against the board.
Odubu and Obaseki are said not to be in good terms. While the former is Adams Oshiomhole’s deputy, the Governor is currently fighting his successor (Oshiomhole) and his loyalists ahead Edo 2020 polls.
