President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Senate, seeking the confirmation of  Lauretta Onochie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Onochie, who hails from Delta State, is the President’s Special Assistant on New Media.

The action of the President was in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(2)A of the NDDC Act, Cap N 86, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, read the letter on the floor of the Senate during plenary.

The letter read: “Dear Distinguished Senate President, confirmation of appointments of Chairman and members of the Niger Delta Development Commission:

In accordance with the provisions of Section 2(2)A of the NDDC Act, Cap N86, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby present the under listed 15 names of nominees as Chairman and members of the NDDC for confirmation by the Senate. Copies of their Curriculum Vitae are attached herewith. While I hope the request would receive the usual expeditious consideration, and confirmation of the Senate, Please accept the Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

According to Buhari in the letter, Chief Samuel Ogbuku would serve as the  Managing Director for a term of two years to complete the term of his predecessor in office. Bayelsa State, South-South while Major General Charles Airhiavbere, retd is  the Executive Director, Finance. Executive Director of Finance  and Charles Ogunmola, Executive Director Project, Ondo, South-West. Other members of the NDDC board as forwarded to the Senate are Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu as State Representative, Edo State, South -South; Dimgba Erugba (State Representative, Abia, South-East); Dr. Emem Wilcos Wills, State Representative, Akwa Ibom, South -South; Elder Dimaro Denyabofa,  State Representative, Bayelsa State, South -South;  Hon. Orok Duke, State Representative, Cross River, South-South;  Engineer Anthony Okanne,  State Representative, Imo State, South-East and

Hon. Gbenga Edema,  State Representative, Ondo State, South – West. Others are  Elekwachi Dinkpa, State Representative, Rivers State, South-South;  Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Abubakar, ( Zonal Representative, Nasarawa State, North-Central; Alhaji Sule Iko Sadeeq Sani Sami (Zonal Representative, Kebbi State, North-West; and Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, (Zonal Representative, Adamawa State, North-East.