Developing story: Nunieh removed as Acting MD
Joi Nynieh, Acting Managing Director of the NDDC has been removed from office, following a sudden decision by the Federal Government to set aside the composition of the Interim Management Committee which she has headed since August last year.
In her place, Professor K.D Pondei of the Niger Delta University who hails from Bayelsa State has been named as the Acting Managing Director.
Pondei is to serve on the new committee with four others, including Mrs Caroline Nagbo from Rivers State.
The Government statement gave no reason for the removal of the Ogoni – born technocrat and lawyer as the helmsman of the Commission.
A statement signed by the President’s SA on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the enlargement of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from three to five.
Members of the five-man committee include Professor Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, Ag. Managing Director, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Ag. Executive Director (Projects) and Mr Ibanga Bassey Etang, Ag. Executive Director (Finance and Administration).
Mrs Caroline Nagbo and Cecilia Bukola Akintomide, a former Vice President with the African Development Bank are to serve as members.
Recall that President Buhari had earlier approved that the Interim Management Committee would remain in place until the forensic audit that is currently going on at the NDDC is completed.
Prof K.D Pondei, the new Ag. Managing Director, is a Professor of Medicine and a former Provost, College of Health Sciences of the Niger Delta University.
The Esther of Ogoniland as Joi Nunieh is popularly known was last seen at the National Assembly where she went to defend the budget of the NDDC.
Details showing how Nunieh lost out loading..