The Senate, on Thursday, confirmed the appointment of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

Naijaonpoint reports that the upper legislative chamber also confirmed Usoro Offiong Akpabio, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, as the Managing Director of the Commission.

However, Tijani Yahaya Kaura, nominated to represent the North-West zone, was not confirmed by the Senate after failing to submit necessary credentials and refusing to appear before the Senate screening panel.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission, Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central), who presented the committee’s report, said the nominee’s screening remained open if he decides to comply with the process.

“He failed to appear before the committee and did not submit the required documentation. However, the window remains open should he comply,” Konbowei stated.

The following individuals were confirmed as members of the SSDC Board:

Rt. Hon. Larry Odey – Cross River

Charles Zuofa – Bayelsa

Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong – Akwa Ibom

Engr. Chika Chinedu – Rivers

Barr. Femi Oise – Edo

Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate – Delta

Tabitha Iliya Sallah – North-East

Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao – North-Central

Joseph Mmamal – South-East

Hon. Bukonola Braimoh – South-West

The Senate also confirmed five executive directors for the commission:

Hon. Marcus Nie Eji – Projects (Rivers)

Engr. Aganaba Preye Steven – Social and Human Capital Development (Bayelsa)

Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye – Corporate Services (Delta)

Hon. Joseph Ugheoke – Commercial and Environmental Development (Edo)

Amb. Sony Abang – Finance (Cross River)

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted the list of nominees to the Senate last month for screening and confirmation.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the president’s letter during plenary and referred it to the Senate Committee on SSDC, with a one-week deadline for report submission.