NDDC Board Appointment! More Confusion After Buhari’s Independence Speech

… Confirms Redeployment Of NDDC From OSGF To Niger Delta Ministry

President Muhammadu Buhari independence speech has left many wondering about the fate of the so-called appointees of the purportedly reconstitution board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

In his nationwide broadcast to mark the nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary, in Abuja on Tuesday, President Buhari while making reference to the Economic Advisory Council which he recently constituted, was tactically silent on the purported reconstitution of the NDDC board which had been greeted by series of controversy.

“I recently constituted an Economic Advisory Council to advise me on inclusive and sustainable macroeconomic, fiscal and monetary policies”, Buhari said, emphasizing, “This independent body will work with relevant Cabinet members and the heads of key monetary, fiscal and trade agencies to ensure we remain on track as we strive for collective prosperity.

“However, we are also committed to ensure that the inconvenience associated with any painful policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt”, he added.

But speaking on efforts to reposition NDDC, President Buhari spoke only on the recent redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and left many guessing if the purported reconstitution of the board which has been characterized with huge controversy was real.

According to him, the redeployment of the NDDC to MNDA is in tandem with the administration commitment to enhance the living standards of the people of the Niger Delta, through coordinated and appropriate programmes.

“The recent redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs underscores our commitment to enhance the living standards of our communities in the Niger Delta, through coordinated and appropriate programmes”.

Mr. President also stressed that his administration remains equally resolute in the efforts to combat militant attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and accelerate the Ogoni Clean-up to address long-standing environmental challenges in that region.

President Buhari also said that the Ministry of Police Affairs has been resuscitated to oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance internal security.

“My recent assent to the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act has created a legal framework to support our Police with increased fiscal resources to enhance their law enforcement capabilities.

“These initiatives are being complemented by the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force.

“This clearly demonstrates our commitment to arrest the incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across our nation”, he said.