A group known as G-37 has strongly criticized the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for constitutional breaches in its operations, particularly the sidelining of the Board in major procurement decisions.
The group, composed of state chairmen and former members of the non-National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC) from 2014 to 2021, expressed their concerns in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja.
In the statement signed by Prophet Jones Ode Erue and Dr. Ben Nwoye, Chairman and Secretary of the group respectively, they highlighted the violation of the law that established the Commission and due process by attempting to usurp the Board’s functions.
The stakeholders firmly stated that they could no longer remain silent while witnessing such administrative recklessness against the Board. They felt compelled to raise the alarm to expose the agenda of a few individuals who aim to derail President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for sustainable development in the region by reconstituting the Board following the completion of the forensic audit of the Commission’s activities.
One specific issue of concern to the stakeholders was the recent signing of a $15 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Commission’s management and a United States-based firm, Atlanta Global Resources Inc. The MOU was for the construction of a mega rail line connecting the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The stakeholders found it unacceptable that such a significant contract was carried out without the consent of the Board, as it goes against the established process. These actions only serve to divide the Commission and hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate of improving the lives of the people in the region.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, reportedly signed the controversial MoU on behalf of the Commission. However, the Chairman of the Commission, Lauretta Oniochie, distanced herself from the contract, declaring it illegal and null and void.
Onochie emphasized that the NDDC management did not have the authority to sign the MOU without the Board’s approval, referring to the act establishing the NDDC (Act No 6 of 2000), which vests the power to sign MOUs solely with the Chairman of the Board.
The APC-G37 group stressed that the position of the Board Chairman represents the collective opinion of the Niger Delta region and called on the management to adhere to the provisions of the enabling Act that established the Commission.
The group further condemned the calls for the Board Chairman’s dismissal, considering them unwarranted and an attempt to blackmail and derail Onochie from her duties.