NDDC board backs Onochie’s move to cut financial waste 

 The governing board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has given its chairman Lauretta Onochie the nod to cut financial waste and implement other measures aimed at ensuring smooth running of the Commission. 

The board gave the nod at the end of its meeting after an exhaustive debate on the proposal tabled before it by the chairman. 

 This development is coming at the wake of a report by one of the notable online news platforms, alleging that there were plots by  members of the board to oppose Onochie’s moves to sanitise the NDDC. 

 The report, according to some stakeholders, was consistent with what appeared to be an attempt to return to old ways in the NDDC, with some forces trying to gang up against the chairman of the board, following her desire to ensure that wastes in the system are reduced. 

 A member of the board, who spoke to newsmen, said the story was “a tissue of lies designed to sow a seed of discord among members of the board who are United in their resolve to make a difference in the Niger Delta.” 

 According the member, who does not want his name in print, “we have always  reported the various submissions by the board members on their being  united to work for the Niger Delta. 

 “The truth is that the chairman insisted on a drastic reduction in the number of aids attached to board members, in line with the extant rules and regulations of the federal government.” 

Commenting on the allegation that Onochie asked for 18 Special Assistants, he said the story was calculated to blackmail the board chairman as “the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), has set out guidelines for the members of aids, the chairman, managing director and other members of the board can have.”

Port Harcourt