Senate Confirms Chibudom Nwuche As Chairman Of South-South Development Commission

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, as chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

Also confirmed was Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State as the commission’s managing director.

However, Tijani Yahaya Kaura, the North West nominee, was not cleared after failing to submit necessary documents and refusing to appear before the screening committee.

The committee noted that the window remains open should he eventually present himself for the process.
The Senate also confirmed the following nominees as members of the SSDC board: Rt. Hon. Larry Odey – member, Cross River, Charles Zuofa – member, Bayelsa, Dr Nkereuwem Ebong – member, Akwa Ibom, Engr. Chika Chinedu – member, Rivers, Barr. Femi Oise – member, Edo, Dr Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate – member, Delta, Tabitha Iliya Sallah – member, North-East, Alhaji Yusuf Rasaq Amao – member, North-Central, Joseph Mmamal – member, South-East, Hon. Bukonola Braimoh – member, South-West.

Confirmed executive directors include the Hon. Marcus Nie Eji, executive director of projects (Rivers); Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven, executive director of social and human capital development (Bayelsa); Dr Timi Alari Ayibatonye, executive director of corporate services (Delta); Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, executive director of commercial and environmental development (Edo); and Amb. Sony Abang, executive director of finance (Cross River).

The confirmations followed the presentation of the Senate Committee on South-South Development Commission report, chaired by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central).

Presenting the report, Senator Konbowei stated that the Senate receives and considers the report of the Committee on South-South Development Commission on the confirmation of the nomination for appointment as chairman, managing director, and members of the Board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).”

It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted the list of nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation last month.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s request during plenary and referred it to the appropriate committee, which was tasked to report back within one week.