The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed viral social media reports suggesting a conflict between its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to a statement obtained by YEPS News, the commission described the report titled “Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty” as misleading and mischievous.
NDDC’s spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, signed the statement on Monday, emphasizing that Dr. Ogbuku maintains a strong working relationship with the FCT Minister and other key stakeholders in the Niger Delta region.
‘Baseless Allegations’ Designed to Sow Discord
The official statement, titled “False Reports of Conflict Between NDDC Boss and FCT Minister,” clarified that the commission’s leadership had been made aware of fabricated claims circulating across online media platforms.
“Reports making the rounds about an alleged power struggle within the NDDC, supposedly sparked by a contest over the Managing Director’s position, are completely unfounded,” the statement read.
“As gathered by YEPS News, Dr. Ogbuku enjoys a cordial and professional relationship not just with FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike—who represents the Niger Delta region effectively at the Federal Executive Council—but also with all key leaders and stakeholders in the region.”
The commission alleged that the reports were the handiwork of detractors aiming to stir internal conflict within the NDDC board and create friction between the MD and the FCT Minister. The statement also noted that some actors sought to drag Senate President Godswill Akpabio into the alleged dispute to paint a picture of crisis within the NDDC and the broader Niger Delta region.
Additionally, the NDDC dismissed another claim that former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, was actively seeking a replacement for the NDDC Board Chairman, Chiedu Ebie.
“These baseless rumors are being spread by those who wish to undermine the innovative policies introduced by the current NDDC leadership under Chairman Chiedu Ebie and MD Dr. Samuel Ogbuku,” the statement added.
‘NDDC Committed to Development, Not Distractions’
Further addressing the controversy, the commission condemned attempts to derail its developmental agenda.
“It is quite telling that while the NDDC remains focused on rolling out progressive policies to enhance service delivery in the Niger Delta, certain individuals with selfish interests are intent on creating distractions,” the statement said.
According to findings by YEPS News, some of these mischief-makers have falsely suggested that the tenure of the current NDDC Board is coming to an abrupt end. However, the commission reaffirmed that its leadership was appointed for a full four-year term, which commenced on August 29, 2023.
“For clarity, Dr. Ogbuku was reappointed for a legally backed four-year tenure. The NDDC Establishment Act explicitly states that a board member, apart from ex-officio members, shall serve for an initial four-year term and may be reappointed for another four years, but no more.”
The statement criticized those attempting to disrupt the commission’s work, stating that their efforts were rooted in the so-called “Pull Him Down” syndrome.
‘A Destabilized NDDC Hurts the Niger Delta’
The NDDC warned that continuous leadership changes have historically hindered the region’s development and emphasized the commission’s ongoing commitment to stability and progress.
“What the detractors fail to realize is that an unstable NDDC is a setback for the Niger Delta,” the statement asserted. “One of the key reasons for the slow pace of development in the region has been the incessant interference in leadership transitions.”
Sources confirmed to YEPS News that the NDDC is actively improving transparency, leveraging technology to enhance accountability, and maintaining close engagements with stakeholders to drive impactful projects.
“We call on all well-meaning individuals and stakeholders who genuinely care about the sustainable development of the Niger Delta to resist attempts to disrupt the progress we have made,” the statement urged.
The NDDC reassured the region’s people that it remains committed to executing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental vision and will not be distracted by “enemies of progress.”
“We remain focused on service delivery, innovation, and infrastructure development rather than being dragged into baseless controversies,” the statement concluded.