—As massive protest rocks Ondo against Abena, Akinjo’s nominations
— Group laments Akeredolu’s absence
By Miracle Ogunde
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has expressed strong rejection at the nomination of Hon. Kolade Victor Akinjo as the State Representative on the governing board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Starnews Nigeria reports that the party leaders in a virtual meeting on Wednesday, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, as the Executive Director, Corporate Services of the Commission.
APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, presided over the well-attended emergency meeting, while the party chieftains, who reaffirmed loyalty to the president, applauded his efforts to rebuild the economy in the interest of every Nigerian.
In a statement signed by Alex Kalejaye, APC Ondo State Publicity Secretary, the party said, “We concede to Mr. President the right to appoint any qualified Nigerian to any office, having given him the popular mandate to preside over our affairs.
“We only wish to remind Your Excellency that Mr. Kolade Victor Akinjo was the House of Representatives candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the presidential election, having served two terms on the platform of the opposition party.
“It is equally pertinent to aver that while Mr. President’s desire to instill all-inclusive governance for the good of the people, we doubt if anyone who worked assiduously for his party, the PDP, as well as his presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku on the potency of anti-APC sloganeering, fits better than our teeming members for the plum job.
“It is, therefore, our fear that appointing such a man into an influential position could demoralize our members, particularly in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, who contributed immensely to the overall votes from the Sunshine State.
“We have no doubt, in the circumstance, that Mr President will revisit the nomination of Akinjo as the Ondo State Representative on the NDDC’s Governing Board and bring on board someone known to have worked for the party.”
The statement further added that “The leadership of the ruling party in Ondo State appeals to our dear president to take a second look at the appointment of Mr. Akinjo, to avoid the unpleasant situation of ‘Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop’”.
Meanwhile, in a similar development, a group under the auspices of Progressive Advocates Initiative has staged a protest at the APC party’s secretariat in Akure, calling on President Bola Tinubu to appoint an indigene of Ondo State as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) Board, inorder to ensure equity and fairness.
The group in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Augustine Akinkunmi and Adebayo Adubiaro, respectively, reminded the President that it is time for Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the NDDC.
“We, the Progressive Advocates Initiative, wish to bring to your esteemed attention a matter of utmost importance regarding the recent nominations made to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
As a group committed to upholding justice, equity, and fairness, we respectfully request your intervention in ensuring that Ondo State rightfully assumes the position of Managing Director.
“First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that it is the turn of Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.”
The group in the letter noted that Bayelsa has been occupying the post for many years, thereby sidelining the people of Ondo State, being one of the major oil producing states in the country.
“For several years, Bayelsa State has occupied this position, creating an imbalance in the representation of different states within the NDDC.
As a state that has made significant contributions to the development of the oil and gas sector, Ondo State deserves its fair share of the leadership of this crucial organisation.
“As you are aware, Bayelsa State currently holds the position of Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, while Akwa Ibom State holds the position of Minister of State, Gas Resources, and Edo State holds the position of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Given these existing appointments, it is only just and equitable that Ondo State, as the fifth largest producer of crude oil in Nigeria, assumes the position of Managing Director of the NDDC. This would ensure a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities among the oil-producing states and promote inclusivity in the decision-making processes of the commission.
“We firmly believe that by appointing a Managing Director from Ondo State, the NDDC will benefit from the rich experiences and insights that Ondo State brings to the table. Ondo State has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas sector, and its active participation in the leadership of the NDDC will undoubtedly contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the commission’s mandate.
The group also reminded President Bola Tinubu on how Ondo state was shortchanged during the previous appointments of the NDDC board by the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“Your Excellency, the current Managing Director, was given a two-year tenure by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the residue of Bayelsa State’s tenure. Chief Samuel Ogboku was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to complete what was considered a two-year residue. However, following the dissolution of the former board, where Ondo State was clearly shortchanged, Bayelsa State should not be granted another four-year term. Therefore, it is only fair and just that Ondo State be given the opportunity to produce the managing director.”
Furthermore, the Progressive Advocates Initiative also raised a concern about the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, maintaining that he is not from the oil producing area of the state as stipulated in the NDDC act.
“We would like to highlight a specific concern regarding the nomination of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs. It has come to our attention that Hon. Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of Ondo State, which is in direct violation of Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act 2000, as amended.
“According to this Act, anyone occupying the position of Executive Director must hail from the oil-producing area of the state. In Ondo State, Ilaje Local Government is the only council that falls within the oil-producing LGA category. However, Hon. Abegunde hails from Akure South Local Government, which is not an oil-producing area of Ondo State.
“Sections 12 (1) of the Act stipulates thus: “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest
production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production.”
We, however, maintained that if the NDDC act is adhered to strictly, it would ensure equal representation of leadership within the commission.
“We believe that strict adherence to the provisions of the NDDC Act is crucial to ensuring fair representation and effective leadership within the commission. By doing so, you will not only uphold the rule of law but also promote transparency and accountability in the selection process.
Speaking further, Starnews Nigeria reports that the group vehemently opposed the appointment of Hon. Kolade Akinjo as the representative of Ondo State to the NDDC board, saying that he is not a member of APC, and such position should be meant for the party members to serve as a reward for their loyalty.
“One of the major concerns we also wish to highlight is the nomination of Hon. Kolade Akinjo as the representative of Ondo State on the board. It will interest you to know that Hon. Akinjo was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25th House of Representatives election for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.
However, he lost to our great party, the APC. We find it demoralising that the first political position coming to the area has been given to a member of the opposition party. This raises questions regarding the reward for loyalty within our party.
The group also accused the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as the masterminds behind Hon. Akinjo’s appointment.
“Moreover, we are fully aware of the individuals behind these nominations and appointments and their motivations. During the tenure of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the current Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, served as the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, while Mr. Akinjo was a member of the committee. It is evident to us that these appointments were made as a result of a prearranged arrangement to undermine the loyalists of our party. We strongly believe that such actions do not serve the best interests of our party and its long-term stability.
While lauding the efforts of the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in ensuring equal representation of party members at the federal level, the group noted that some people are bent on frustrating the governor’s efforts in his absence.
“The absence of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, whose tireless efforts in supporting and working for our party have been remarkable. We however opine that his absence has allowed for certain actions and manoeuvres that undermine those who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the party’s cause.
We believe that the governor’s absence has created a void that has allowed for the continuation of these moves that are undermining the very individuals who have risked everything for the success of our party.
They, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take their plights into consideration by revisiting the appointment of the NDDC board earlier announced by him.
“Mr. President, we appeal to your wisdom and leadership to reconsider these appointments and ensure that deserving and loyal members of the APC are given the opportunity to serve. We firmly believe that rewarding loyalty within our party is crucial for fostering unity, trust, and progress.
“By rectifying these appointments, you will not only restore faith and confidence among our party members but also demonstrate our commitment to fairness and justice and the principle of rotational leadership within the NDDC”, the group stated, Starnews Nigeria reports.
See the screenshot of the protest below:
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