President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of his nominees to lead the South West, North Central, and South South Development Commissions.
In a letter to the Senate on Thursday, President Tinubu put forward a total of 55 individuals for consideration across the three commissions.
For the North Central Development Commission, 19 nominees were proposed, with Cosmos Akiyir named as Chairman and Cyril Yeltsin as Managing Director.
In the South West Development Commission, 18 individuals were nominated, including Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi as Chairman and Charles Akinola as Managing Director.
Likewise, 18 nominees were presented for the South South Development Commission, with Chibudom Nwuche as the proposed Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as Managing Director.
All nominations are subject to Senate screening and confirmation.
Senate President Rejects Resignation Rumours
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly rejected suggestions that he might resign, describing such claims as “false allegations.”
Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, which concluded with the passage of four major tax reform bills, Akpabio reaffirmed his dedication to the Senate’s legislative agenda. He praised the chamber’s unity and determination, insisting that unsubstantiated accusations would not distract them from their constitutional duties.
His comments echoed those of Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who earlier emphasised the Senate’s ongoing commitment to electoral and constitutional reforms. Bamidele stressed that the institution of the Senate is greater than any individual and will not be derailed by baseless criticism.
Responding to suggestions that he was under pressure to resign, Akpabio stated:
“Who told you I was going to step down? Those who expected the Senate to ask for my resignation can now see that we remain focused on our responsibilities. Allegations, wherever they arise, must be backed by evidence and addressed in the public interest.”
He also drew a comparison with cases in the United States where people had been wrongly imprisoned due to false accusations.
“I am not one of those who step down over falsehoods. And when it’s finally proven untrue, they simply say ‘oh’ — as if that undoes the damage,” he added.