NDDC: Ogbuku’s Term In Office Won’t End Abruptly -FG

All those who are angling for the removal of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Sam Ogbuku have been told to stop wasting their time and resources on the campaign. Reason: The federal government is pleased with the activities of the management under Ogbuku and will not cut short his term in office.

Even at the expiration of the term of Ogbuku as managing director in October 2027, it is Edo State, not Delta, that will produce the next managing director. This much was disclosed by the minister of regional development, Abubakar Momoh.

While inaugurating the board of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, in Abuja, the minister regretted that some people from the region, out of ignorance of the law establishing the NDDC, were already campaigning for the ouster of the Ogbuku whom he said was doing well.

He said there was no reason to remove Ogbuku because apart from his excellent performance since he got into office, the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had found him worthy to remain in office for another term of four years, having served out the outstanding two years reserved for Bayelsa State.

The minister said: “Last week, I had a lot of complaints from some people in the south south, that the board of the NDDC needs to go. I asked, why must the board go? Because they were appointed on the basis of the (NDDC)Act and the Act specifies that they have four years to remain in power.

“Within that(sic) four years if nothing happens(and the board is doing well), nothing happens and the president can decide to bring you back. They told me that the MD, particularly the state he is from (Bayelsa) has spent four years and for that reason, he should give way.

“I now told them that it is unfortunate that some of you are not privy to what is on ground. It is true that Bayelsa, by the provision of the Act, Timi Alaibe spent two years (as managing director) and he was expected to spend four years.

“When this president came in, he renewed the term of the current MD by another four years, with effect from October 2023. So, to all those who are clamouring that this one should go, if you want a replacement go and meet the president.

“For those of you who may want to peruse the appointment letter (of Ogbuku), this is the appointment letter(he displayed the letter). Let’s give peace a chance and allow the NDDC board and management to work.

“Since this management came, we have been commissioning projects upon projects, which was not happening like this before.”

He also spoke on the state that will succeed Bayelsa from 2027 after Ogbuku would have served out his term as MD, saying, “by the provision of the Act, the position of MD is to rotate among the nine states, based on the quota of oil production.

“It is not the turn of Delta State again. Delta has taken their turn. Rivers has taken their turn, Akwa Ibom has taken. After Bayelsa, it will be Edo.”

In the recent past, there have been moves by some persons to get the managing director out of the way, on the grounds that he had overstayed in office as MD. There were even speculations that the MD was having a frosty relationship with the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike who they said was considering somebody from Delta State as Ogbuku’s replacement, an insinuation that has since been dismissed by the commission.

This is coming even as some civil society groups have passed a vote of confidence on the NDDC management, and given an award to Ogbuku for what they called the managing director’s selfless service to the people of the region.

During a visit to the commission, Coordinator of the Civil Society Groups, Mr. Charles Inko Tariah, commended the NDDC for engaging with stakeholders, noting that such meetings were crucial to the progress and development of the Niger Delta region.

He said: “As civil society organizations, it is our responsibility to protect the rights of the people, partner with institutions that deliver accurate results, and ensure transparent communication with all stakeholders to drive progress and development.

 “We acknowledge the commendable work done by this present administration, particularly in infrastructure development, human capital growth, education, health, and other critical sectors, as well as inclusivity amongst other stakeholders.”

 Inko Tariah said that the civil society organisations would support the NDDC in achieving its mandate while providing oversight to ensure accountability. “We are confident that this partnership will lead to greater transparency and more effective outcomes for the region,” he said.
He highlighted some concerns and requested the NDDC assist them with access to information, establishment of a research/training centre, collaboration on healthcare initiatives, and support for CSOs.

Another Coordinator for the Civil Societies, Otuekong Franklin Isong, presented an award on behalf of the groups to the NDDC boss in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.

While receiving the visiting civil society groups, Ogbuku said the commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region, stating: “The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to turn things around in the Niger Delta region positively. The Board and Management have worked tirelessly to meet Mr. President’s expectations.

He pledged that the NDDC would adhere strictly to the President’s directive to the Commission to complete all ongoing regional projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.  The NDDC Managing Director reaffirmed the commission’s obligation to transformational leadership and accountability. He stated that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm KPMG to review its operations and that its recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.