Senate Confirms Akpabio’s Daughter, 17 Others For South South Development Commission Board

The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Board.

The Senate also confirmed Usoro Akpabio, the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as the Managing Director, along with 16 other board members.

Their confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of a report from the Committee on SSDC during a plenary session in Abuja.

The report was presented by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Kenbowei Friday.

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The 16 confirmed board members include: Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta), Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East), Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central), Joseph Mmamal (South-East), and Mr. Bukonola Braimoh (South-West).

The Senate also confirmed the following individuals as executive directors: Marcus Nie Eji (Projects, Rivers), Aganaba Preye Steven (Social and Human Capital Development, Bayelsa), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Corporate Services, Delta), Joseph Ugheoke (Commercial and Environmental Development, Edo), and Sony Abang (Finance, Cross River).

In his presentation, Senator Friday stated that the nominees possess the necessary academic qualifications, work experience, competencies, and integrity for their roles.

He added that the committee received no adverse security reports or petitions against any of the confirmed nominees, who demonstrated a strong understanding of the commission’s mandate and answered all questions satisfactorily.

However, one nominee, Tijani Laura, nominated to represent the North-West, was not presented for confirmation.

According to Senator Friday, this nominee failed to submit vetting documents and did not appear before the committee for screening.

He noted that the Senate would provide the nominee another opportunity to appear before the committee for screening at a later date.