Don’t Fail Nigerians, Senate Warns NWDC, SEDC Nominees

The Senate has warned the nominees to the Governing Boards of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) not to betray the trust placed in them by President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians.

The charge was delivered on Monday in Abuja during the screening sessions conducted by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia-North).

The screening began with the 14-member NWDC board, led by Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman and Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Other members include 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, and Hon. Babatunde Dada.

The session continued with the 18-member SEDC board nominees, led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman and Hon. Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/CEO. Other nominees include Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Kzenwa, 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 (E.D. Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (E.D. Corporate Services), Hon. Toby Okechukwu (E.D. Projects), Sen. Anthony Agbo (E.D. Commercial and Industrial Development), and Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development).

Professor Ma’aji, a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka and currently Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Education, highlighted his experience as a human development specialist and outlined his public service accomplishments.

Commending the nominees, Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina) praised the qualifications of the NWDC chairmanship nominee, describing the appointment as “well deserved” and thanking the President for selecting him.

Senator Babangida Hussaini reminded the nominees of the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, saying, “The confidence of Nigerians and President Tinubu is in your hands. Justify the appointment, work for Nigerians, and don’t let the President or the nation down.”

Kalu also re-emphasised the warnings, stressing that the nominees must prioritise the interests of Nigerians.

He cautioned against unethical practices, stating, “You are the face of these organisations. Do not engage in any act that could tarnish the image of the President or the commissions. The Senate will not hesitate to recommend your removal if you fail to deliver.”

He added, “We are monitoring you closely. Use the resources for the development of the people. Do not pay for unexecuted projects. The Senate committee will ensure accountability.”

The committee hinted that the nominees’ clearance was critical to the budget process as the Senate prepares for recess.

Senator Kalu urged the nominees to, upon the confirmation of their appointments, foster strong relations with the National Assembly, emphasising that failure to act promptly could lead to setbacks for the interventionist commissions.