The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has refuted claims of a rift between its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Monday, NDDC spokesperson Seledi Thompson-Wakama dismissed the reports circulating on social media as “mischievous” and intended to create unnecessary tension.
“The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission has been drawn to reports circulating online under a misleading headline: ‘Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty.’ Nothing could be farther from the truth,” the statement read.
Thompson-Wakama emphasized that Ogbuku enjoys a cordial working relationship with Wike and other key stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
“It is clear that this false narrative is the handiwork of those seeking to sow discord within the NDDC board and pit the Managing Director against the FCT Minister. We are also aware that these same elements are attempting to drag Senate President Godswill Akpabio into the supposed crisis to create an impression of instability in the commission and the region,” the statement added.
The NDDC also dismissed rumors that former Delta State Governor James Ibori was pushing for a change in the commission’s leadership.
“We urge the public to disregard these baseless claims, which are meant to derail the NDDC Board’s ongoing reforms under Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku,” Thompson-Wakama stated.
Addressing concerns about the commission’s leadership tenure, the statement clarified that Ogbuku’s appointment is fully backed by law.
“The current NDDC Governing Board was appointed for a four-year tenure, beginning on August 29, 2023. Dr. Ogbuku was reappointed for another four-year term as stipulated by the NDDC Establishment Act,” the spokesperson explained.
Thompson-Wakama described attempts to stir controversy over the leadership structure as a distraction from the commission’s developmental agenda.
“Those spreading these falsehoods fail to understand that a destabilized NDDC is a loss to the Niger Delta. The commission remains committed to its mandate, leveraging technology, transparency, and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable development in the region,” the statement concluded.
The NDDC urged the public and Niger Delta leaders to disregard efforts to destabilize the commission, reaffirming its commitment to executing key projects and initiatives in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the region.
