President Bola Tinubu has officially forwarded a request to the Senate for the confirmation of appointees to oversee the South West, North Central, and South South development commissions.
In a letter presented to the Senate on Thursday, President Tinubu nominated a total of 55 individuals to serve in leadership roles across the three regional bodies.
For the North Central Development Commission, 19 nominees were submitted, with Cosmos Akiyir nominated as Chairman and Cyril Yeltsin as Managing Director.
In the South West Development Commission, the President put forward 18 names, including Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi as Chairman and Charles Akinola as Managing Director.
The South South Development Commission also saw 18 nominations, with Chibudom Nwuche named as Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio tapped as Managing Director.
All nominations are pending Senate screening and confirmation.
Akpabio Rejects Resignation Speculation Over Allegations
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied any intentions to resign, calling recent claims against him “false allegations.”
Speaking during a plenary session that also saw the passage of four key tax reform bills, Akpabio reaffirmed his dedication to the Senate’s legislative goals and commended the chamber’s continued focus. He emphasized that unfounded accusations would not hinder the Senate’s commitment to its constitutional duties.
His remarks came after Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed the upper chamber’s resolve to complete essential reforms, including amendments to the constitution and electoral laws. Bamidele stressed that the Senate is an institution larger than any single individual and would not be sidetracked by critical commentary.
In response to speculation that he was pressured to resign, Akpabio stated, “Who told you I was going to step down? Those who thought this Senate would ask me to resign have now seen that we remain focused on our duties. At whatever level allegations arise, we will demand evidence and act in the overriding public interest.”
He also referenced incidents in the United States where individuals were wrongfully imprisoned due to unfounded accusations, adding, “I am not one of those who step down for what is false, and when eventually it is proven that the allegation is untrue, they simply say Oh, as if it makes up for it.”
What you should know
President Tinubu has nominated 55 individuals to head three regional development commissions, while Senate President Akpabio has rejected resignation rumors tied to unproven allegations, asserting the Senate’s focus remains undeterred.
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