AJU, Dan Abia, Effiong Akwa jostle for NDDC job ...as Nsima Ekere prepares resignation

AJU, Dan Abia, Effiong Akwa jostle for NDDC job

...as Nsima Ekere prepares resignation

The trio of former SA to former Governor Godswill Akpabio Anietie Johnny Ufot, former House of Reps man Barr Bassey Dan Abia and ex Akwa Savings MD Barr Effiong Akwa, THE INK newspaper can report are jostling for the top job of the Niger Delta Development Commission following confirmed moves by the incumbent towards resignation.

Sources within the APC hinted our reporters that Ekere who was appointed by the Buhari administration as Akwa Ibom State slot have been having a clear intention to lead Akwa Ibom State as her Governor come 2019.

It was gathered that the former Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor has been silently working to get the ticket of the APC as her flagbearer before squaring up with Udom Emmanuel of the PDP at the polls.

Those who claim to know told THE INK that it is very likely the FG is interested in retaining the position of the MD/CEO of the NDDC in Akwa Ibom State and to this end has begun shopping for a possible replacement for Nsima Ekere whose extended tenure is likely to expire early 2020.

THE INK was reliably informed that the FG will actually consider as a replacement for Nsima Ekere a personnel who understands the workings of the NDDC.

Sources hinted that the three candidates who are early birds in the contest have some wealth of experience in the affairs of the commission but singled out Barr Effiong Akwa as the most experienced of the trio having worked with Sir Bassey Dan Abia for a long time when the senior Abia served as the MD of the commission.

AJU is presently the SA to Nsima Ekere, while Dan Abia is Ekere’s long standing friend and Effiong Akwa appears to be independent of Ekere.

But sources however confided in our reporter that Akwa’s interest may be herculean as he is not officially an APC member.

THE INK however can report that the serving MD of the commission Obong Nsima Ekere will soon tender his resignation letter to the Federal Government in order to aid him prepare for his governorship ambition of 2019.

A top source from the office of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs confirmed to our reporter that in line with international best practices, that the commission has gotten information that the MD of NDDC Mr. Nsima Ekere is planning to resign and when that happens, the Ministry shall make it public.

When contacted Effiong Akwa said My brother, Im not aware of whatever is going on. You know all appointments and positions come from God.

This same God will in turn, use men and women like the president and others to bring it to pass.

If it turns out to be true, then the entire Akwa Ibom people, including you as an individual, stands to benefit.

Both Barr Dan Abia, jnr and Anietie Johnny Ufot did not respond to SMS sent to them for confirmation on their moves to succeed Nsima Ekere.

But all indications are rife that the duo are silently lobbying for the top job of the NDDC as Obong Ekere prepares his resignation letter.