Donald Ojogo, the representative of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the long-standing issue of the South-West region’s marginalization in appointments to the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter directed to the President, Ojogo highlighted the continued exclusion of the South-West region, particularly Ondo State, in leadership positions within the NDDC. This exclusion has fostered the perception that the positions of Managing Director and other key roles are exclusive to the South-South states.
Ojogo, who previously served as the Information Commissioner of Ondo State, characterized the situation as both disdainful and repugnant, emphasizing the need for fairness and equitable representation.
Referencing Section 12(1) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2000, the lawmaker drew attention to the provision that mandates the rotation of the positions of Managing Director and two Executive Directors among member states.
In his appeal to President Tinubu, Ojogo urged him to take decisive action and ensure strict adherence to this provision. He implored the President to consider appointing a qualified individual from Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State as the next Managing Director of the NDDC.
“The South-West, represented naturally by Ondo State, is ranked fifth in the production quota,” Ojogo stated. “Therefore, Ondo State should have been considered for the position of Managing Director in the last Governing Board of the NDDC.”
Ojogo stressed that only indigenes of the oil-producing areas should be appointed to other positions, such as Executive Director(s) and State Representative on the NDDC’s Governing Board. He highlighted that the appointment of the last Executive Director (Projects), Mr. Ogunmola, from Ondo North Senatorial District, was a flagrant violation of the NDDC Act, 2000, as amended.
The letter sent by Ojogo seeks to address the ongoing marginalization of the South-West region in the NDDC’s leadership positions and advocates for a fair and inclusive approach for the benefit of all member states.
This call to action signifies the lawmaker’s commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equitable representation in government appointments, ensuring that all regions have a voice in decision-making processes. Ojogo’s plea to President Tinubu serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive governance and the need for proper adherence to the provisions of the NDDC Act.
