Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the Niger Delta Development Commission for failing to complete projects initiated in various parts of the region intended to improve people's lives.
Jonathan stated that frequent leadership changes in the NDDC's management would hinder the completion of projects.
On Saturday, he delivered a speech at the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission's 25th anniversary celebration held in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
"However, an important point I must highlight is that Onyema Ugochukwu, the inaugural chairman, identified a significant issue — the constant changes in NDDC leadership have hindered development," stated the former president.
He stated, "During the keynote address, Ngozi (Okonjo-Iweala) talked about many projects that had been abandoned."
They were not abandoned due to the intentions of NDDC managers, but because frequent changes led to it. Without the opportunity for planning or adequate time, agencies are forced into relying on contractor-driven projects instead of those founded on strategic planning.
According to the chairman, in the past 25 years, we've had 11 CEOs at NDDC. This means that each CEO serves an average of just two years and three months. With such a short tenure, how can effective planning occur? How can significant regional projects be completed?
The ex-governor of Bayelsa State praised President Bola Tinubu for keeping Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the NDDC, stating that this decision reflects the President's commitment to developing the region.
He stated, "We are here celebrating because Ogbuku has been with us for a little over two years. Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him in 2022, around November I believe, but he officially began his duties on January 4, 2023."
Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. Had Tinubu not been committed to developing the region, he could have easily replaced him with someone else during his first five months in power. Ogbuku's name would likely be unknown now if that were the case.
"We hear about Oyema Ugochukwu and Timi Alaibe because they spent a significant amount of time in their respective roles, during which they accomplished memorable achievements."
Jonathan, on the other hand, encouraged the agency to remain steadfast and enhance its dedication to performance-oriented and inclusive governance. He emphasized prioritizing long-term impacts instead of short-term projects motivated by political agendas.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing that the Niger Delta's future isn't solely dependent on oil and gas. Instead, it hinges on sectors like agriculture, education, digital innovation, tourism, and renewable energy. Achieving true sustainability involves preparing our region for a post-oil economy—a transition we must initiate now.
Post a Comment