NDDC Denies Reports Of Conflict Between Ogbuku And Wike, Calls Out ‘Mischief Makers’

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has strongly denied online reports of a conflict between its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

The NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, issued a press statement today calling the reports “false” and “mischievous.”

The statement, titled “False Reports of Conflict Between NDDC boss and FCT Minister,” directly addresses the online articles, specifically citing a headline that falsely claimed a “uproar” within the NDDC as a result of an alleged power struggle.

Thompson-Wakama vehemently denied this, emphasising the friendly relationship between Ogbuku and Wike, as well as other Niger Delta officials and stakeholders.

The NDDC accused unnamed individuals of purposefully inciting discord within the commission, pitting the Managing Director against the Minister and even attempting to implicate Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a fabricated crisis.

Additional allegations included rumours that Chief James Ibori is seeking to succeed NDDC Board Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie.

The statement clarified that the current NDDC board’s four-year term began on August 29, 2023, and that Dr. Ogbuku’s reappointment is fully by Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act.

The commission urged the public to disregard false narratives attempting to derail its innovative policies and projects aimed at improving the lives of Niger Delta residents.

Thompson-Wakama emphasised the NDDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as ongoing efforts to provide efficient services and several projects set to be commissioned in the coming week.

The commission warned that destabilising the NDDC with such tactics would only harm the Niger Delta region, citing a history of leadership changes that hampered development.

The NDDC expressed its determination to continue working under the leadership of Mr. Ebie and Dr. Ogbuku, with a focus on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development goals.

The commission urged well-meaning citizens to oppose those attempting to undermine progress and urged the board to remain steadfast in its mission.

The statement concluded by assuring the people of the Niger Delta that the NDDC is still committed to their best interests.