Niger Delta Advocacy Group Urges President Tinubu to Uphold NDDC Leadership Amidst Political Pressure
A growing political storm is brewing over the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as the Niger Delta Development Advocates (NDDA), a prominent socio-political advocacy group, has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to uphold the tenure of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and CEO of the NDDC.
In a detailed open letter addressed to the President, the NDDA expressed deep concerns over increasing calls for Dr. Ogbuku’s removal, describing such demands as a politically motivated attempt to destabilize ongoing development projects in the oil-rich region.
NDDA Warns Against Disrupting Niger Delta Progress
According to the group, Dr. Ogbuku was duly appointed for a four-year tenure as mandated by the NDDC Establishment Act, and any move to truncate his leadership would not only undermine the rule of law but also reverse the region’s development gains.
“We strongly urge you to disregard such distractions and uphold the integrity of your administration’s commitment to the Niger Delta people,” the statement read.
The NDDA emphasized that removing the NDDC chief at this time would lead to policy instability, disrupt critical infrastructure projects, and send a negative signal to investors and development partners engaged in the region’s transformation.
Ogbuku’s Impact: A Track Record of Development
The advocacy group further outlined Dr. Ogbuku’s significant achievements since assuming office, presenting evidence of tangible improvements across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
- Infrastructure Development
- Completion of abandoned road projects, including the Okitipupa substation in Ondo State, which now links key communities and improves economic activities.
- Rehabilitation of major highways and bridges that serve as commercial arteries for businesses and commuters in the Niger Delta.
- Expansion of electricity and water projects to previously underserved communities, enhancing their quality of life.
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
- Introduction of the Niger Delta Youth Internship Program, providing employment and training opportunities to over 10,000 young people.
-Establishment of vocational and technical training programs, equipping youths with skills in welding, fabrication, and ICT to drive self-sufficiency.
-Collaboration with private sector stakeholders to facilitate job placements for trained youths, reducing unemployment rates in the region.
- Education Support and Scholarships
- Over 40,000 students across the Niger Delta have benefited from scholarships and educational grants, easing financial burdens on families.
-Distribution of digital learning tools in secondary schools, modernizing education delivery and access.
-Construction of classrooms and provision of essential school supplies to improve learning environments in underprivileged communities.
- Healthcare Advancements
- Free medical outreach programs have provided healthcare services to over 100,000 residents, addressing pressing health challenges in rural areas.
-Rehabilitation of hospitals and primary healthcare centers, ensuring better medical services for Niger Delta communities.
-Deployment of mobile clinics to remote areas, guaranteeing healthcare access for marginalized populations.
- Environmental Sustainability and Regional Stability
- Active participation in environmental cleanup projects targeting oil spill pollution and land degradation.
-Strengthening of regional peace initiatives, engaging key stakeholders in conflict resolution and security stabilization.
-Promotion of alternative energy sources, reducing the region’s dependency on crude oil and fostering environmental conservation.
Political Interference Threatens Stability
The NDDA warns that the calls for Ogbuku’s removal are not driven by developmental concerns but rather by political and financial interests. According to the advocacy group, these self-serving individuals and interest groups seek to replace a competent, results-driven leader with someone who will serve their personal ambitions at the expense of the Niger Delta people.
“It is evident that those calling for Dr. Ogbuku’s removal are motivated by selfish political and financial interests rather than the well-being of the Niger Delta people,” the NDDA asserted.
The group further cautioned that any move to remove Ogbuku at this critical time would not only jeopardize ongoing development but also erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to regional stability.
NDDA Calls on President Tinubu to Defend Progress
In its final plea to the President, the NDDA has urged President Tinubu to:
✔ Reaffirm his confidence in Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership and allow him to complete his tenure.
✔ Reject politically motivated distractions aimed at reversing the progress made in the Niger Delta.
✔ Continue supporting policies that promote sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment for Niger Deltans.
The Bigger Picture: Niger Delta’s Future at Stake
The Niger Delta remains a strategic economic hub, contributing a significant percentage of Nigeria’s oil revenue. Experts warn that political instability within the NDDC could deter investment, disrupt critical projects, and slow down economic recovery efforts in the post-pandemic era.
As President Tinubu weighs his decision, stakeholders across the Niger Delta and the broader political landscape watch closely. The NDDA has vowed to mobilize Niger Delta communities to resist any attempt to destabilize the region’s progress, reinforcing that the NDDC must remain an engine for transformation rather than a tool for political manipulation.
