NDDC Contractors Association Suspends President
Barikui Felix
The Contractors Association of NDDC (CA-NDDC) has announced the suspension of Mr. Sylvester Tonye Iyade as its president. The suspension was contained in a letter dated 18th March, 2025 and addressed to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
The letter, signed by all the Executive members, including Mr. Sunny Benstowe, John Ibigbami, Sir Richard Ajua, Saviour Ijeoma, and Benjamin Okundia, stated that the decision to suspend and subsequently impeach Mr. Iyade was made at its meeting held on 9th October 2024 and subsequent meetings held in 2025.
They listed the sins of the suspended president to include a lack of accountability and transparency, incompetence, and a refusal to convene or attend executive council meetings, among others.
The letter warned the commission and all relevant agencies to desist from dealing with the ousted president on behalf of the body.
It reads in parts: “We hereby formally notify you of the resolution passed at the joint meeting of the Registered Trustees and National Executive Officers of the Contractors Association of NDDC (CA-NDDC), held on October 9, 2024, at Villa Toscana Deluxe, Port Harcourt, as well as subsequent meetings in 2025. During these deliberations, a vote of no confidence was moved against Mr. Sylvester Tonye lyade by Sir Richard Ajua (Treasurer) and seconded by Saviour Ijeoma (Financial Secretary) and Benjamin Okundia (Edo State Rep. This led to his impeachment and suspension from the position of President of CA-NDDC on the grounds of non-performance, incompetence, deliberate refusal to convene meetings, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
“Furthermore, on February 23, 2025, another meeting was held at Le Meridien Hotel, presided over by Vice President Mr. Sunny Benstowe and observed by board member Ambassador Prince Victor Fakar. At this meeting, an additional vote of no confidence was passed due to lack of transparency and accountability, as well as continued refusal to convene or attend executive meetings” .
The letter, which was copied to the police, all security agencies, and relevant stakeholders, directed Mr. Iyade to hand over the association’s properties to Mr. Sunny Benstowe. The association further expressed confidence in the NDDC management’s ability to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership within the association.
However, when contacted, Iyade said that the Board of Directors of the Association reinstated him days after an impeachment proceeding was carried out against him. He explained that the board meeting held virtually on April 6, 2025, saw the passage of several key resolutions that effectively nullified the impeachment.
According to the resolutions, the board declared the impeachment proceeding null and void due to significant procedural irregularities, violations of due process, and lack of substantial evidence to support the claims. He added that the Board dissolved the executive council, except for him and the General Secretary John Ibigbami.
He said: “The board’s decision was based on a thorough review of the proceedings and documentation related to the impeachment, which revealed a fundamentally unfair, arbitrary, and unconstitutional process. The suspension was also disregarded by the board, and the general public and NDDC management are urged to do the same.
“I was restored to my position effective immediately, with all rights, privileges, and benefits pertaining thereto. The board’s resolution was entered into the minutes of the meeting and is effective immediately.”
