In a move to address concerns and criticism, President Bola Tinubu has approved the replacement of nominees to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board. Victor Akinjo, the initial Ondo state representative nominee, has been replaced by Otito Atikase, while Asi Oku Okang, the Cross River state nominee, has been replaced by Orok Otuk Duke.
The decision to replace these nominees comes in response to discontent, especially from members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who raised objections to the original selections.
Announcing the replacements in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president, it was stated: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase. The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.”
In addition to these changes, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, has been reappointed to serve a second term in an acting capacity, pending confirmation by the Senate.
The replacements come after criticism from the Cross River branch of the APC, which found fault with Okang’s appointment, calling it “annoying and politically suicidal.” Similarly, the APC in Ondo rejected Akinjo’s appointment, expressing concerns that it could “demoralize” party members who had contributed significantly to the party’s success during elections.
