NDDC: GROUP SUPPORTS NOMINEE

NDDC: Group supports nominee
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Wednesday, March 3 , 2010
Coalition of civil society organizations in Edo State yesterday said it supports the state nominee for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board and urged the Senate Committee to clear him. Mr. Donald Omorodion nominated by Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the state representative in the NDDC board had been facing opposition by senators from the state.

The coalition, which included leading non-governmental organisations, oil communities and former Niger Delta freedom fighters also asked the Senate Committee headed by Senator James Manager to disregard all petitions and oppositions against the nominee.

A statement signed by Rev. David Ugolor, executive director, African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Dr. Sam Igbineweka, chairman, Host Oil Producing Communities and six others said Omorodion was properly and duly nominated.

According to the group, 'Omorodion received the blessing of all leading civil society organisations in Edo State as a progressive statesman who we believe and trust will represent the state well.' While urging the Senate Committee on NDDC to disregard the oppositions and views of some senators from Edo State who are opposed to the nominee, the group noted that those who are doing that were only serving their political interests.

They are not from oil producing areas of the state and as such should not be in position to decide who should represent Edo in NDDC,' the statement said.

The Senate Committee on NDDC, had on Monday declared that in spite of the petition against Mr. Omorodion, it would go ahead to screen him in accordance with the law.

Mr. Omorodion, who is the Special Adviser to Governor, Oshiomhole, was nominated and forwarded to the Senate as a replacement for Mr. Jude Ise-Idehen, who was rejected by the Senate

The new nominee was, however, opposed by Senators Odion Ugbesia (Edo Central) and Yisah Braimoh (Edo North), who were conspicuously absent at the screening exercise on Monday.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator James Manager, noted the absence of the two opposing senators but could, however, not stop the committee from going ahead with the screening in view of the invitation extended to the duo to defend their petitions before the committee.