The Niger State House of Assembly has called on the Federal Government to review the recent appointment of Mrs. Tomi Somefun, an indigene of Oyo State, as the Managing Director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), citing a violation of the enabling Act.

 

The resolution was passed on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public concern moved by Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, representing Bosso Constituency.

 

Gomna reminded lawmakers that the HYPPADEC Establishment Act clearly provides that the Managing Director must be appointed from among the member states of the Commission, and that the position must rotate among these states.

 

“There has been a public outcry over the recent appointment of an Oyo State indigene, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, which is contrary to Section 12(2)(a) of the HYPPADEC Act,” Gomna said.

 

“As representatives of the people, we have a constitutional duty to speak against this breach.”

 

 

 

The HYPPADEC member states include Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi, and Benue—areas directly impacted by hydroelectric power generation and eligible for representation in the commission’s leadership.

 

Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion, resolving to forward its position to:

 

The Executive Arm of the Niger State Government

 

Representatives of the state at the National Assembly

 

HYPPADEC member states

 

 

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, who presided over the plenary, also announced the constitution of an 8-member delegation to formally present the resolution to the National Assembly.

 

The delegation will include members representing Bosso, Tafa, Borgu, Bida II, Lapai, Paikoro, Suleja, and Rafi constituencies.

 

The Assembly’s move signals growing resistance from HYPPADEC states over what they view as a marginalization of host communities and a disregard for legal provisions governing federal appointments.