NASS Tackles Buhari On New NDDC Board
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA- President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, says the National Assembly will not relent until it gets the Executive arm to constitute the Governing Board of the Nigerian Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He said the lawmakers are determined to continuously engage the Presidency on the need to have a new NDDC board that will effectively pursue and deliver on its mandate in the overall interest of developing the Niger Delta region.
Senator Lawan was reacting to comments by Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP – Bayelsa West) seeking the Senate’s permission to consider a motion aimed at convincing President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately constitute the NDDC Board.
Acknowledging as “valid and potent” concerns raised by Senator Dickson, the Senate President said; “I think you have made the point. Even without a motion, you have stated this and it is recorded. And, I have stated this, too.
“We have been engaging with the Executive arm of government that the nominations into the Governing Board should be made. We have been making that point and will continue to push until it is made.”
“I think we are getting there. So, even if we don’t take any motion, I’m sure the explanations you have given will go a long way.
“I don’t think the Sole Administrator should be there for any long period of time, but it is for us to ensure that between now and when that administrator goes, the funds appropriated are properly utilized”, Senator Lawan said
In his comments after the upper Chamber worked on the NDDC budget for the year, Senator Dickson told his colleagues that; “What I am rising to propose, Mr President, is that this Senate at this point, having now agreed to pass the NDDC budget, can we take a motion to the effect that the President be called upon to constitute the board in accordance with the Act without further delay; and that this budget be passed for the sake and development of the well-being and welfare of the people.”
