ABUJA – On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Senators also confirmed Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State as the commission’s Managing Director.
However, the Senate declined to clear Tijani Yahaya Kaura, the nominee representing the North-West, because he failed to submit required documents and refused to attend the screening. The committee stated that it would still consider him if he chose to complete the process later.
The Senate approved the following individuals as board members of the SSDC:
Rt. Hon. Larry Odey – Cross River
Charles Zuofa – Bayelsa
Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong – Akwa Ibom
Engr. Chika Chinedu – Rivers
Barr. Femi Oise – Edo
Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate – Delta
Tabitha Iliya Sallah – North-East
Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao – North-Central
Joseph Mmamal – South-East
Hon. Bukonola Braimoh – South-West
Additionally, the Senate confirmed the following executive directors:
Hon. Marcus Nie Eji – Projects (Rivers)
Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven – Social and Human Capital Development (Bayelsa)
Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye – Corporate Services (Delta)
Hon. Joseph Ugheoke – Commercial and Environmental Development (Edo)
Amb. Sony Abang – Finance (Cross River)
These confirmations followed the Senate Committee on South-South Development Commission’s report, which Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central) presented.
While presenting the report, Senator Konbowei urged the Senate to consider and approve the nominees for leadership positions and board membership of the SSDC.
Last month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted the list of nominees, which Senate President Godswill Akpabio read during plenary before referring it to the appropriate committee for review.
