By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURT: The Contractors Association of NDDC, CA-NDDC, has explained that it suspended Mr Sylvester Tonye Iyade as its president, following issues of inefficiency and gross misconduct.

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, which was signed by all the Executive members including Mr Sunny Benstowe, John Ibigbami, Sir Richard Ajua, Saviour ljeoma and Benjamin Okundia noted that the decision to suspend and subsequently impeach Mr Iyade was following a meeting of the body.

The letter mentioned they Iyade had shown lack of accountability and transparency, incompetence and has refused to convene or attend executive council meetings amongst others.

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.”

However, when contacted, Iyade stressed that the Board of Directors of the Association reinstated him days after an impeachment proceeding was conducted against him.

Iyade said that the board meeting held virtually on April 6, 2025, witnesses the passage of several key resolutions that effectively nullified the impeachment.

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.”