The group also called on the President to appoint an Ondo indigene to the position of the Managing Director of the commission.
The Federal Government has appointed two former federal lawmakers from the state, Mr Sunday Abegunde and Mr Victor Akinjo as the Executive Director (Corporate Services) state representative of the NDDC respectively.
In a letter addressed to the President, the group expressed dissatisfaction over non-appointment of an indigene to the position of MD of the commission.
The letter was signed by the group’s chairman, Augustine Akinkunmi and the secretary, Adebayo Adubiaro. A copy was made available to our correspondent, on Wednesday, in Akure, Ondo State.
The letter read in part, ” We, the Progressive Advocates Initiative, wish to bring to your esteemed attention a matter of utmost importance regarding the recent nominations made to the board of the NDDC. As a group committed to upholding justice, equity, and fairness, we respectfully request your intervention in ensuring that Ondo State rightfully assumes the position of Managing Director.
“First and foremost, we would like to emphasise that it is the turn of Ondo State to produce the Managing Director of the commission. For several years, Bayelsa State has occupied this position, creating an imbalance in the representation of different states within the NDDC. As a state that has made significant contributions to the development of the oil and gas sector, Ondo State deserves its fair share of the leadership of this crucial organisation.”
The group further stated in the letter that the appointment of Abegunde and Akinjo by the President violated the NDDC Act on the grounds that Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of the state while Akinjo was not a member of the APC.
“We would like to highlight a specific concern regarding the nomination of Ifedayo Abegunde as the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs. It has come to our attention that Abegunde is not from the oil-producing area of Ondo State, which is in direct violation of Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act 2000, as amended.
“According to this act, anyone occupying the position of executive director must hail from the oil-producing area of the state. In Ondo State, Ilaje Local Government is the only council that falls within the oil-producing LGA category. However, Hon. Abegunde hails from Akure South Local Government, which is not an oil-producing area of Ondo State.
“The Sections 12 (1) of the Act stipulates thus: ‘There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production.’
“We believe that strict adherence to the provisions of the NDDC Act is crucial to ensuring fair representation and effective leadership within the commission. By doing so, you will not only uphold the rule of law but also promote transparency and accountability in the selection process.”
The group also appealed to the President to reverse the appointment and make necessary corrections.
“Your (Tinubu) wisdom and leadership to reconsider these appointments and ensure that deserving and loyal members of the APC are given the opportunity to serve.
“We firmly believe that rewarding loyalty within our party is crucial for fostering unity, trust, and progress. By rectifying these appointments, you will not only restore faith and confidence among our party members but also demonstrate our commitment to fairness and justice and the principle of rotational leadership within the NDDC.”
