WHO IS AFRAID OF LAURETTA ONOCHIE AS NDDC CHAIRMAN? By Emmanuel Emokiniovo

Lauretta Onochie
Chairman, NDDC Board

"Onochie is determined in bringing corruption to a manageable level in the NDDC and this great country. This is the cause of these negative reactions and comments from those benefiting from the sleaze going on in the NDDC." Emokiniovo.

Since the nomination and eventual screening of Lauretta Onochie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, many “haters” have rushed to media houses screaming on top of their voices to give press statements challenging the choice of Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari and this has attracted varying contributions and reactions.

Mr. President’s authority to nominate or appoint a nominee to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has never been the issue but the qualification of the nominee, Lauretta Onochie by a bunch of unidentifiable persons. The query by this bunch of unidentifiable bunch has drawn the ire of many concerned stakeholders in the oil-rich region, who have come to view these unwarranted attacks and opposition, as unnecessary and unwarranted.

By all standards, be it local or international, Lauretta Onochie is eminently qualified, fit and able to sit, as Chair of the NDDC and this cannot be questioned anywhere. By birth and rights, Lauretta Onochie is from Delta state; an oil producing state, which is a major prerequisite to be a member of the Board of the NDDC. One must also take into cognizance that Mr. President has the prerogative of power to decide on whom he appoints; insofar, such an appointee meets the requirements. Naysayers have thrown up different narratives as to the eligibility or otherwise of Lauretta Onochie, ostensibly, working the scripts of sponsors who are usually best at criticizing and opposing when things do not go their own way. Mr. President has, over time been under pressure to reconstitute the Board of the NDDC and in his own wisdom, nominated persons deemed capable of running the affairs of the Commission for the greater good of the region. The nominees went through a process of screening by the Senate (Upper Chambers) of the National Assembly and therefore, allowed to do their assigned duties; manage the affairs of the Commission and ensure it delivers on its mandate.

This brings us back to the caption of this piece; “Who Is Afraid Of Lauretta Onochie As NDDC Chair”? Does her position in bringing corruption to a manageable level in this country the cause of these negative reactions and comments from those benefiting from the sleaze going on in the NDDC?

For those willing to know, the passion of this strong-willed lady to pursue quality and sustainable development and good governance that will bring about a better society for the good of the people, is genuine.

Before now, persons of proven integrity have variously chaired the affairs of the Commission including some from delta state. Therefore, the issue of Lauretta Onochie’s appointment, qualification or otherwise, be consigned to the trash bin. Those opposing her emergence despite attempts to throw in spanners in the works, must know that the nominee of the president will stand. 

Mr. President in his wisdom is insistent on ensuring that capable hands run the affairs of the NDDC that has over the years, been enmeshed in humongous level of corrupt practices and activities that go against the mandate of the body.

Therefore, the time to right the wrongs has come and, under the leadership of Lauretta Onochie and the new board, the region will experience a new lease of life.

Lauretta Onochie is indeed, a tough nut when due diligence and quality service delivery is required. Her leadership will expectedly, bring about transparency, accountability and prudence.