In a surprising turn of events, President Tinubu has decided to restore the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) back under the control of the Ministry of Niger Delta, following alleged power struggles within his administration. This decision comes after former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole met with the President to voice concerns about the improper posting of a 65-years old nominee from Edo State to the ministry of Youth as minister.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Oshiomhole had to wait for an excruciating 12 hours before finally meeting with the President. This delay was seen as an attempt to frustrate him and prevent him from voicing his grievances. It is alleged that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, who had reportedly collected billions to keep the NDDC Managing Director in office, orchestrated the move to transfer the NDDC to the Presidency. This move would have given Gbajabiamila more control over the commission.
However, another source disclosed that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had also defied the President's directive by assigning the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to Bunmi Tunji-Ojo instead of Gboyega Oyetola, the former Governor of Osun state. It was originally promised to Oyetola by party leader President Bola Tinubu himself. Gbajabiamila allegedly went as far as preventing Oyetola from meeting with the President prior to the reshuffling. Not only Oyetola, but prominent figures such as Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Pius Akinyelure, James Faleke, and others were also denied access to the President by Gbajabiamila.
Frustrated by these developments, Oyetola confronted President Tinubu, expressing his disappointment and highlighting the broken promises. In response, President Tinubu assured Oyetola that the initial agreement would be honored and promptly reversed the decision, effectively restoring the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to Oyetola's supervision.
Additionally, it was revealed that Gbajabiamila had intentions to bring the NDDC back under the presidency, allowing him more influence over its affairs. However, President Tinubu got wind of this plan and made the surprising announcement that the Ministry of Niger Delta would oversee the NDDC instead of Gbajabiamila's office.
These recent developments have stirred dissatisfaction among party members and supporters who are dismayed by the lack of transparency and alleged manipulation of important decisions by the Chief of staff to the President. It is believed that the President has been misled, with those who could provide clarity being denied access to him. The underlying motive behind these actions seems to be a consolidation of power within the administration, which is causing concerns among the party's base.
As the dust settles, the President's decision to restore the NDDC to the Niger Delta Ministry marks a significant move towards rectifying the power struggles and appeasing the grievances of party members. Time will tell how these recent events will shape the future course of the administration and its ability to deliver on its promises to the people.
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