The Nigerian Senate has charged the nominees for the Governing Boards of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to uphold the trust bestowed upon them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people.
The admonition was delivered during the screening session conducted by the Senate’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North). The screening served as a pivotal step toward the nominees’ confirmation and the operationalization of the two commissions.
NWDC Nominees Screening
The first group to face the screening was the 14-member board of the NWDC, led by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi (Chairman) and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, who retained his position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees included:
Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe
Hon. Aminu Suleiman
Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq
Yahaya Aminu Abdullahi
Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil
Shamsu Sule
Nasidi Ali
Chukwu Chijtoke
Ahmed Mohammed
Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasantyu
Macdonalds Michael Uyi
Hon. Babatunde Dada
In his introductory remarks, Professor Abdullahi Ma’aji, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described himself as a human development specialist. He highlighted his achievements in previous public roles, demonstrating his readiness to lead the NWDC toward its developmental objectives.
Commending the credentials of the chairman nominee, Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina) remarked:
“This appointment is well-deserved. He is highly qualified to be the MD of the NWDC, and I commend the President for this intelligent nomination.”
Adding his voice, Senator Babangida Hussaini urged the nominees to honor the confidence placed in them by the President and Nigerians, emphasizing:
“The trust of Nigerians and President Tinubu now rests on your shoulders. Your performance will reflect the President’s decision. Work diligently to address the challenges faced by the region and deliver meaningful results.”
SEDC Nominees Screening
The screening session also included the 18-member board nominees of the SEDC, led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu (Chairman) and Hon. Mark C. Okoye (Managing Director/CEO).
Other nominees were:
Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah
Hon. Okey Izenwa
Chief Hyacinth Ikpor
Chidi Echeazu
Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu (Ph.D.)
Nasiru Usman
Hamma Adama Ali Kumo
Edward David Onoja
Orure Kufre Inima
Daniel Akwari
Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma
Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance)
Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Executive Director, Corporate Services)
Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects)
Senator Anthony Agbo (Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial Development)
Dr. Clifford Ogbede (Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development).
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Charge
Addressing both sets of nominees, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu underscored the critical nature of their roles, emphasizing the need to prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people and uphold ethical standards.
“You are now the face of these commissions. Any unethical conduct will not only tarnish your reputation but also bring disrepute to the President who entrusted you with this role. The Senate will oversee your activities rigorously,” he stated.
Kalu warned the nominees against mismanaging public funds, stressing:
“Ensure that funds are used strictly for developmental purposes. We will not tolerate misuse or misappropriation. Do not pay for jobs that are not completed, and avoid any practices that could undermine public trust. The Senate will not hesitate to report any misconduct to the President for immediate action.”
He further highlighted the urgency of adhering to budget timelines to secure critical funding:
“We are attending to your screening now due to the ongoing budget process. Delays or inefficiencies on your part could result in your commissions missing out on vital allocations. The trust of Nigerians and the President is in your hands—do not fail.”
Nominees on the Path to Confirmation
The screening process proceeded without objections from committee members, signaling the likely clearance of the nominees. Their eventual confirmation will mark a significant step forward in operationalizing the NWDC and SEDC to address regional development challenges, foster economic growth, and improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Senate’s strong oversight and stern warnings underscore the importance of accountability and performance as the nominees prepare to assume their responsibilities.
