The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate also confirmed Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State as the Managing Director of the commission, alongside 15 others who will serve on the board and as executive directors.
Those confirmed as board members include Rt. Hon. Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Engr. Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Barr. Femi Oise (Edo), Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta), Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East), Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central), Joseph Mmamal (South-East), and Hon. Bukonola Braimoh (South-West).
Executive directors confirmed are Hon. Marcus Nie Eji (Projects, Rivers), Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven (Social and Human Capital Development, Bayelsa), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Corporate Services, Delta), Hon. Joseph Ugheoke (Commercial and Environmental Development, Edo), and Amb. Sony Abang (Finance, Cross River).
However, Tijani Yahaya Kaura, the nominee from the North-West, was not cleared due to his failure to appear for screening or submit required documents.
The committee added that his nomination remains open pending his compliance.
The confirmation followed the presentation of the report from the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission, chaired by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central).
The nominees were earlier forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu for screening and confirmation.
