The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied reports of a rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, describing the claims as mischievous and unfounded.
In a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, the NDDC dismissed an online report titled "Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty", insisting that there was no conflict between the two officials.
No Rift Between Wike and Ogbuku
The commission emphasized that Dr. Ogbuku maintains a cordial relationship with Wike and all key stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are, therefore, constrained to respond to the false story claiming that ‘there is rumbling in the commission following the jostle for the position of the Managing Director currently occupied by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku,’” the statement read.
The NDDC further alleged that the false report was part of an effort by mischief-makers to create division within the commission and the Niger Delta region.
Attempts to Create Crisis and Involve Senate President Akpabio
The commission alleged that the same group behind the false claims was attempting to drag the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, into the controversy, creating a false crisis scenario in the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.
“We also know that the perpetrators are attempting to drag the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, into the phantom fray to present a crisis scenario in the NDDC and the entire region,” the statement added.
The NDDC also dismissed rumors that former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, was pushing for a replacement of NDDC Board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie.
NDDC’s Response to Distraction Attempts
The commission urged the public to disregard false reports aimed at derailing the ongoing reforms and development efforts by the NDDC Board and Management under Chiedu Ebie and Samuel Ogbuku.
“It is rather curious that at a time the NDDC is busy pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta, some misguided and self-seeking individuals appear intent on distracting the commission,” it stated.
Clarification on Tenure of NDDC Board
The NDDC also dismissed claims that the tenure of the current board was ending, clarifying that it was appointed for a four-year term starting on August 29, 2023.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act provides that ‘a member of the board, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.’
“What the detractors fail to realize is that a destabilized NDDC is a loss to the Niger Delta region. One of the major causes of poor development in the region has been traced to frequent leadership changes,” the statement noted.
Commitment to Transparency and Development
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and development, stating that it is leveraging technology to improve efficiency and engaging stakeholders proactively.
“We urge all men of goodwill who are particularly desirous about sustained development in the Niger Delta region not to stand aloof and watch as some unscrupulous persons toy with the collective destiny of the region,” it added.
The NDDC Board and Management reaffirmed its focus on developmental issues in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision, dismissing all distractions by what it described as enemies of progress.
