Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rejects Clarks’ Call To Remove Abia, Imo, Ondo From NDDC

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly rejected the recent call by prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, to remove Abia, Imo, and Ondo States from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Chief Clark had made this appeal during a press conference in Abuja, where he urged President Bola Tinubu to expel the three states from the NDDC, citing their inclusion for the sake of convenience as the primary reason. In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, issued a statement denouncing Clark’s call as “satanic, parochial barbarism,” emphasizing that it posed a significant threat to national cohesion and unity. Isiguzoro expected Chief Clark to support the gazetting of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s recognition of the Old Anambra River Basins as oil-producing states, which would include Anambra, Enugu, and Kogi States into the NDDC. Isiguzoro accused Chief Clark of promoting ethnic bigotry, which he said had no place in Nigeria’s diverse and multicultural society.  Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject Clark’s divisive rhetoric and encouraged the incorporation of the Old Anambra River Basins into the NDDC, emphasizing that such a move would correct historical injustices and promote national integration, development, and unity. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria, where all ethnic groups are treated with equal rights and opportunities, and where harmony, understanding, and shared prosperity prevail.

Tinubu rejigs NDDC Board nominees, drops Akinjo, Okang; nominates Atikase, Duke

In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has authorized changes to the nominees for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board. Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend. The alterations involve the nomination of a new representative for Ondo State, as Mr. Victor Akinjo steps aside to make way for Hon. Otito Atikase. Additionally, Mr. Asi Okang, the previous nominee for Cross River State, has been replaced by Hon. Orok Duke. Furthermore, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, has been reappointed for a second term. However, Dr. Ogbuku will continue to serve in an acting capacity until his reappointment is confirmed by the Senate. These changes reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring effective representation and leadership within the NDDC board.