Some concerned Niger Deltans have said the recent threats demanding the removal of the MD/CEO of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, are calculated moves being masterminded by faceless opportunists seeking financial gain.
“These unscrupulous elements, devoid of any genuine commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta, have resorted to blackmail and propaganda to create an illusion of crisis where none exists,” they stated.
The concerned Niger Delta citizens made this known in a press statement signed by Comrade Evans Nosike, National Secretary (Rivers State); Comrade Erepamo Oki, President (Bayelsa State); Comrade Janet Oko (Abia State); and Comrade Tiniebi Jonah, (Ondo State).
Other signatories include Comrade Okorokwo Mba (Imo State), Comrade Dan Emevoh (Delta State), Comrade Ovie Mark (Edo State), Comrade Tina Bassey (Akwa- Ibom State) and Comrade Aniefiok Ekerete (Cross River State).
They took a swipe at the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations (CNDCSO) for chiding Ogbuku whose leadership, they maintained, is widely commended for being transformative.
The statement alleged that, despite being under the guise of activism, the CNDCSO’s move was desperate and financially motivated to extort resources.
They declared that Ogbuku’s leadership has been marked by unprecedented progress, adding that his tenure has seen the execution of far-reaching infrastructural projects, economic empowerment initiatives, and social welfare programs.
The statement reads in part: “Under his stewardship, the NDDC has undergone a much-needed transformation, ensuring that development reaches all nine states of the Niger Delta.
“It is therefore laughable for any faceless group to assume they can destabilize the commission through empty threats and baseless accusations.
“The real stakeholders of the Niger Delta-traditional rulers, elders, youth organizations, and reputable civil society groups-have consistently expressed their support for Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership. If he has earned the trust of these respected institutions, then on whose authority do these self-serving agitators speak?”
According to the concerned Niger Deltans, the supposed threats of mass protest against Ogbuku are fabricated narratives pushed by individuals with no legitimacy.
“These figures lack recognition from any credible Niger Delta institution, and their claims hold no weight among the region’s ethnic nationalities. Their baseless accusations are a desperate attempt to create disaffection and manipulate public perception for selfish interests.
“If these individuals truly represented the Niger Delta, why have the governors of the nine states in the region distanced themselves from their antics? Why have major ethnic nationalities-ljaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ogoni, Ibibio, and others-not aligned with their so-called demands? The answer is clear: their campaign is built on falsehoods, and it is doomed to fail.”
They warned that anyone attempting to disrupt existing peace in the region through unlawful agitation will be prosecuted accordingly, hinting that security agencies have already been briefed to take decisive actions against culprits.
They maintained that Nigeria’s legal framework does not condone illegal protests or baseless campaigns that seek to sow discord.
“Dr. Samuel Ogbuku will not be intimidated. His record of achievement speaks for itself, and his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta remains unwavering.
“No amount of blackmail or threats can alter the fact that he is a competent and widely respected leader whose efforts continue to drive positive change in the region.
“The people of the Niger Delta are not deceived by these baseless threats. The so-called agitators behind this smear campaign are nothing more than opportunists attempting to manipulate the system for their personal benefit. Their plan is already failing,” the said.
The group stressed that Ogbuku remains the right man to pilot the affairs of the NDDC, hence should be allowed to do his work.
The concerned Niger Deltans also declared that Niger Delta stands firmly with Ogbuku, acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu trusts his leadership, and genuine civil society organizations recognize his dedication to the region’s progress.
“Those behind this ill-conceived plot should abandon their campaign of falsehood, as the truth will always prevail,” they advised.
