Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated for consistent leadership at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure the completion of development initiatives and prevent their abandonment.
Jonathan voiced this sentiment during the plenary session marking the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration, which took place in Port Harcourt.
He identified the frequent leadership changes within the commission as the primary reason for the substantial number of unfinished projects throughout the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the recurrent turnover of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) at the NDDC had negatively impacted project completion, observing, “this has been a hindrance to progress.”
Jonathan clarified, however, that projects were not abandoned due to any deliberate intent by NDDC management, but rather as an unavoidable consequence of frequent shifts in leadership.
He commented that when thorough planning becomes impractical and time is a constraint, organizations tend to adopt contractor-driven approaches instead of development strategies rooted in planning.
According to his figures, over the past 25 years, the NDDC has seen 11 CEOs, meaning each leader, on average, served for two years and three months.
“The question arises: how can one effectively plan? How can significant projects for the region be brought to fruition within a tenure of two years and three months?” he inquired.
Jonathan lauded President Bola Tinubu for maintaining Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the NDDC, thereby showcasing his dedication to the Niger Delta’s advancement.
He pointed out that the people of the Niger Delta were celebrating because Ogbuku had remained in his position since his appointment by the then-President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2022.
He noted that the Managing Director officially commenced his duties on January 4, 2023, while Tinubu took office in May 2023.
“Had President Tinubu not been committed to the region’s development, he would have replaced him with another individual.
“Ogbuku would have served only five months. His name would likely not be widely recognized.
“We recall the former Chairman, Onyema Ugochukwu, and the former Managing Director, Timi Alaibe, because they held their positions for substantial periods and made significant contributions during their tenures,” he added.
Jonathan, however, implored the commission to persist in its endeavors to strengthen its dedication to performance-oriented and inclusive governance, one that prioritizes enduring development over transient, politically motivated projects.
He further urged the commission to initiate the transition away from reliance on oil and gas towards other sectors such as agriculture, education, digital innovation, tourism, and renewable energy.
The former President observed that genuine sustainability necessitates the NDDC commencing immediate preparations for an economy in the Niger Delta that is not dependent on oil.
Also addressing the gathering, the inaugural Chairman of the NDDC, Onyema Ugochukwu, advised the Federal Government to permit the current Board of the Commission to complete its full four-year term.
He acknowledged the current Board and management team for their accomplishments during their brief period in office.
Ugochukwu reminisced that considerable issues plagued the NDDC in prior years, particularly under the caretaker committees and sole administrators, when irregularities were widespread.
He asserted that a lack of consistent leadership over time would inevitably have a detrimental effect on any organization, preventing it from gaining the necessary momentum to effectively drive the development process.
“Nevertheless, the present Board and management are now performing commendably, reinstating confidence, and that is why I unreservedly commend them,” Ugochukwu stated.
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