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

The Senate has issued a stern warning to the nominees for the Governing Boards of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), urging them not to betray the trust placed in them by President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

The caution was delivered on Monday 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 CEO. 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 screening 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 the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Education, emphasized his background as a human development specialist and outlined his public service accomplishments.

During the screening, Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina) praised the qualifications of the NWDC chairmanship nominee, calling the appointment “well-deserved” and expressing gratitude to the President for selecting him.

Senator Babangida Hussaini also reminded the nominees of the immense responsibility they bore. He urged them, 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.”

Senator Kalu echoed this sentiment, reiterating that the nominees must prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people. He cautioned them against engaging in any unethical practices that could tarnish the image of the President or the commissions, warning that the Senate would not hesitate to recommend their removal if they failed to perform.

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 emphasized the urgency of clearing the nominees, noting that their confirmation was vital to the ongoing budget process as the Senate prepares for its recess.

Senator Kalu urged the nominees, upon confirmation, to build strong working relationships with the National Assembly, stressing that delays in acting could lead to setbacks for the interventionist commissions.