The Niger Delta Advocacy Group (New Era Movement) led by Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe has passed a vote of confidence in the Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The group’s decision was informed by the firm belief that the NDDC under Ogbuku has performed outstandingly.
Ekerefe in an ‘End of Year Press Statement’ issued in Yenagoa also described Ogbuku as a youthful, energetic and astute administrator who understands the dynamics of the region as NDDC boss.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Ogbuku to head the interventionist agency.
According to him, Ogbuku’s leadership has brought a breath of fresh air in the region and NDDC for the first time after years of protracted leadership crisis.
“Majority of stakeholders are very comfortable and pleased with Dr. Ogbuku’s approach to issues and the development he is attracting to our rural communities, especially the operation light up the Niger Delta initiative which is so dear to our people, amongst many other interventions that is visible to the eyes that NDDC under his leadership has embarked on,” he said.
He reiterated the group’s commitment to and solidarity with Ogbuku’s administration’s quest to ensure that Tinubu’s agenda is felt in all the nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta region.
Ekerefe however called on “those trying to destabilize the gains of the peace and development recorded in NDDC under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to have a rethink and join hands with him to build a better region.”
He also lauded the performance of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
He stated that the tremendous goodwill that Otuaro enjoys from the beneficiaries of the programme and stakeholders in the region is not surprising given that he “is a known face and a prominent figure in the Niger delta pre-Amnesty struggle.”
He further commended the commitment and resolve of Otuaro to revitalize the foreign and domestic scholarship program.
“Those involved in blackmails and perpetual “Bring-Him-Down” campaign should desist from such acts and give Dr. Dennis Otuaro the opportunity to deliver the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he urged.
The National leader of the NDAG-New Era Movement also hailed the Tantita Security Services Limited for its contributions to the country’s economy.
He said the surveillance firm’s role in the fight against crude oil theft has increased the oil output of Nigeria and has consequently earned admiration and goodwill from Nigerians.
In the words of Ekerefe: “Tantita Security Services Limited has played a pivotal role in the fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
“Its operations have significantly increased the daily crude oil production capacity of Nigeria. This feat has brought the company so much admiration and tremendous goodwill from industry players, stakeholders and the Nigeria people.”
Ekerefe, who was a spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), however warned that there are some “bad eggs” in the security agencies in collaboration with some alleged prominent oil thieves who are not comfortable with the operations of the company.
“They are doing everything, including sponsoring a smear campaign against the Chairman of the company, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, Alias Tompolo, and Tantita Security Ltd of complicity in their operations.
“While everyone is entitled to free speech, it’s unacceptable for our own people to be used to fight a proxy war in favor of the oil cabals,” he said.
He called on people from the Niger Delta who may be involved to desist from such acts and give room for dialogue and constructive engagement if they have any genuine concern or grievances.
