Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
A group, the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) has expressed worry over the continued antics of politicians to destabilise the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to give the impressions that the board is not focused on its primary functions.
The group warned that it will not watch as some politicians toy with the destiny of the Niger Delta people by conspiring to pull down the NDDC governing board that was appointed by President Bola Tinubu last year.
A statement signed by Comrade Timi Apere, who is the leader of the group, said the group was concerned that successive boards and managements of the NDDC had been subjected to smear campaigns, fabricated stories and absurd allegations meant to tarnish the image of the officials.
NDPA said the current NDDC board and management were doing things differently by adopting new strategies and are convinced that it is a new dawn at the commission, ending the era of underhand practices.
“It is, therefore, preposterous for any one to claim that the NDDC leadership is not working for the general good of the people. It is common knowledge that the commission has invested in numerous infrastructural developments, especially on roads, electricity, healthcare, education, human capacity building, agriculture and environment.
“It is even more surprising that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku is being accused of serving personal interest rather than promoting the interest of the region. They go as far as accusing him of nursing the ambition of contesting in the Bayelsa state governorship election in 2027.
“These allegations are being spread by enemies of the Niger Delta region, who do not want the new board and management of the NDDC to succeed. The false claims are meant to sow a seed of discord in the region and scuttle the plans of the commission to fast-track the development process.
“The truth is that the board and management of the NDDC are now, more than ever before, determined to make a remarkable impact,” it stated.
The group therefore appealed to those weaving the political scheme around the NDDC boss to desist forthwith and allow him to concentrate on the task of implementing the NDDC mandate of facilitating rapid and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
It said they believe that those who mean well for the region should join forces with key stakeholders to challenge the powerful forces and systems that are bent on holding the NDDC captive to subvert its objectives.
“Although we cannot discountenance the effects of political interference in the activities of the NDDC, we are pleased that the current board and management have adopted measures to check these extraneous influences.
“We urge the NDDC governing board to remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region,” the statement concluded.
