Godsent Ogbebor
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) denies rift between Managing Director (MD) Samuel Ogbuku and FCT Minister Wike.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, described the online reports titled “Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty” as false and misleading.
“The NDDC Managing Director has a very cordial relationship not only with the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is representing the region at the Federal Executive Council, but also with all key stakeholders in the Niger Delta,” the statement read.
The commission alleged that the reports were the work of individuals trying to create discord among NDDC board members and pit Ogbuku against Wike. It also refuted claims that former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, was lobbying for a replacement for the board chairman, Chiedu Ebie.
According to the statement, such rumors were aimed at derailing the commission’s efforts in implementing developmental projects across the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC also clarified that its current board, including the Managing Director, was appointed for a four-year term beginning on August 29, 2023, and there was no plan to cut short its tenure.
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“It is rather curious that at a time the NDDC is pursuing innovative policies to improve service delivery, some self-seeking individuals are spreading falsehoods to distract the commission,” the statement added.
The commission reassured the people of the Niger Delta that it remains committed to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and developmental initiatives in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
It urged the public to disregard what it described as attempts to destabilize the NDDC, emphasizing that the board and management remain focused on delivering key projects for the region’s growth.
