Let Sam Ogbuku Breathe, Ex-Militant Leaders Warn NDDC Boss Detractors

•Commission receives commendation for completing power project in Ondo

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Ex-militants leaders group, the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience (21st CYNDAC) has urged Niger Deltans calling for the removal of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, to allow him breathe and to focus on his job.

While making a strong call to allow the status quo remain concerning the Ogbuku, the ex-militants leaders, called the attention of President Bola Tinubu, to the various calls by different groups sponsored by element who don’t want the best for region.

A statement signed by its Coordinator, ‘Gen’ Izon Ebi, said most people in the region have faith in Ogbuku and what he could do to transform the NDDC.

“We the 21st CYNDAC are only consolidating on the numerous calls from the people of Niger Delta, to let Mr. president know how happy and comfortable they are with the choice of samuel Ogbuku because of the level of trust that exist between him and the people of the Niger Delta.

“Mr Ogbuku has a long standing record of integrity in all his previous positions. It has become obvious that all the agitators, stakeholders and the poor masses in the region are showing their displeasure (via their recent publications) over the call by some individuals that we strongly believed were sponsored by the enemies of Niger Delta, for the removal of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. 

“The Niger Delta people are feeling sorry for the gullible youths that allow themselves to become destabilisation tools in the hands of our enemies and detractors, because they don’t know what they are doing.

“Before anyone embark on any journey that is aimed at bringing the Niger Delta to her kneels, one should recall that we do not have another home except the one that the NDDC was created to develop.

“The blessed land of the Niger Delta have fed and sustained 36 states and over 200 million people from diverse tribes and religion for over 50 years.  During these years, the Niger Delta people have maintained their status as a very peaceful and accommodating people, which can sacrifice a lot for the betterment of this great nation,” he added.

The group further called on President Tinubu to treat any group calling for the removal of Ogbuku as criminal and enemy of the people. 

Meanwhile, Ondo State Government has lauded the NDDC for ensuring the near completion of the 132/33kv electricity sub-station at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

The Acting Governor of the state, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made the commendation yesterday, when Ogbuku, led a team of the Commission to pay him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Akure.

In a statement made available by Director Corporate Affairs of the commission, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, Aiyedatiwa, who received the NDDC team on behalf of the Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, expressed delight that the sub-station, which would provide electricity for many communities, was 99 percent completed.

The NDDC delegation included the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd); Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, and other Directors of the Commission.

The Acting governor remarked: “The NDDC should help us to expand the distribution network to ensure that the light generated at the sub-station gets to Ilaje Local Government Area.”

He commended the NDDC Chief Executive Officer for the, “initiative and freshness” he has brought into the activities of the Commission, as an interventionist agency.

Aiyedatiwa, said that the economic potential in Ondo State were diverse and urged the NDDC to partner with the government in making the needed investments.

He remarked: “The Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement is a good initiative. The Ogbia- Nembe Road Stands as a testimony to this. The PPP affords the NDDC a wider access to funding.”

On the Ayetoro sea incursion, the Acting Governor appealed to the NDDC and other development agencies to help in saving Ayetoro from the ravages of the sea.

He said: “We want the NDDC to partner with us to reclaim the threatened communities and turn it into a tourism hub.”

Aiyedatiwa said that the construction of the 50-kilometre Akodo-Araromi/Ibeju-Lekki Road was another project dear to the state government, for which a partnership with the NDDC would be appreciated.

Speaking earlier, Ogbuku, said it was important to engage and consult stakeholders of the Niger Delta and commended the Ondo state government for its commitment to developing the state.