Let NDDC serve Niger Delta People, group tells politician

In a firm statement released on Friday, The group, Niger Delta Peace Advocates, NDPA, has sounded an alarm over alleged devious plot to destabilise the Niger Delta Development Commission, and give the impression that the board including the management are not focused on the development of the region.

The group allegedly stated that “some unscrupulous politicians” have engaged in unwholesome campaigns designed to pull down the governing board of the commission that was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 29, 2023.

In the statement, Leader of the group, Comrade Timi Apere, expressed concern that successive boards and managements of the NDDC have been subjected to smear campaigns, fabricated stories and absurd allegations meant to tarnish the image of the officials with a view to removing them from office.

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The statement partly read, “It is common knowledge that the commission has invested in numerous infrastructural developments, especially on roads, electricity, healthcare, education, human capacity building, agriculture and environment.

“It is even more surprising that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku is being accused of serving personal interest rather than promoting the interest of the region. 

“They go as far as accusing him of nursing the ambition of contesting in the Bayelsa State governorship election in 2027.

“These allegations are being spread by enemies of the Niger Delta region, who do not want the new board and management of the NDDC to succeed. 

“The false claims are meant to sow a seed of discord in the region and scuttle the plans of the commission to fast-track the development process.

“Following the retreat, we are beginning to see a new NDDC that is pushing relentlessly to provide solar-powered street lights in many of the communities across the region.

“Apparently, some politicians are not comfortable with these emerging stories of success; hence the subterranean campaigns to distract the NDDC leadership by dressing the Managing Director in an unsolicited political garb. 

“We see this as an undisguised blackmail by some persons and groups to discredit Dr Ogbuku and slow down his rising profile.

“From our interactions with Dr Ogbuku, we can say without equivocation that he is not nursing the ambition of contesting for governorship in Bayelsa State as it is not consistent with his pledge to revamp the NDDC to serve the interest of our region and the country.

“We appeal to those weaving this political scheme around Dr Ogbuku to desist forthwith and allow him to concentrate on the task of implementing the NDDC mandate of facilitating rapid and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

“The Niger Delta Peace Advocates believe that those who mean well for our region should join forces with key stakeholders to challenge the powerful forces and systems that are bent on holding the NDDC captive to subvert its objectives.

“Although we cannot discountenance the effects of political interference in the activities of the NDDC, we are pleased that the current board and management have adopted measures to check these extraneous influences. 

“We urge the NDDC Governing Board to remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”