NDDC: Corruption allegations against Ogbuku baseless, holophrastic, Ex-IYC spokesman slams Delta chief

Former spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe, has chided Chief Michael Johnny, the Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta state, over his recent allegations of corruption against the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led management board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Johnny had called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to investigate the NDDC for alleged corrupt practices, including demanding kickbacks from contractors as well as politicizing the commission.

But reacting to the allegations, Ekerefe in a statement made available to the press on Thursday, said the claims by Chief Johnny against Ogbuku are unfounded, misplaced and jaundiced.

According to him, the allegations are attacks on the person of Ogbuku, insisting that Johnny is not abreast with the “facts of the Commission” and also desperately seeking attention by using propaganda as a tool.

Ekerefe totally faulted the Gbaramatu chief for his call on the EFCC to investigate Ogbuku and maintained that most stakeholders in the region are happy with the NDDC because of the amazing things Ogbuku has been doing as the commission’s MD.

He said the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership has done incredibly well following the impactful programmes the commission has initiated in recent times.

“While there’s nothing wrong for concerned individuals to call on those managing our common patrimony to be accountable, the recent call from Chief Johnny for the EFCC, ICPC and the DSS to investigate Dr. Ogbuku is laughable and a joke of the century.”

“Chief Johnny does not have the moral standing to do so as his record for working against his own Gbaramatu brothers for selfish gains is legendary. I therefore call on him to seek redemption and forgiveness from God,” Ekerefe said.”

The former IYC spokesman also lauded the NDDC boss for liasing with youths as well as other Niger Delta stakeholders which he said has promoted peace in the region.

Ekerefe who is also the national leader of the New Era Movement, a Niger Delta advocacy group, said that, “Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his management team are doing a commendable job by repositioning the NDDC through life-changing policies and programmes.

“These initiatives got the admiration and commendation of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Niger Delta Governors and other key stakeholders during the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit where a new developmental roadmap was birthed.”

“Just recently, NDDC launched a youth internship programme where over 10,000 Niger Delta youths will revive a monthly N50,000.00 payment to ameliorate the effect of the current economic hardship in the country.”

“At the same time, the Ogbuku-led NDDC is making efforts to execute massive agricultural programmes, rural healthcare delivery, critical road infrastructure and education that will rapidly transform the region.”

“Also, Ogbuku’s regular engagements with the youths and stakeholders of the region have contributed in no small measure to the peace and stability the Niger delta is enjoying today. This was demonstrated during the End-Bad-Governance Nationwide protest.”

The Ijaw youth leader equally urged Ogbuku and his team to remain focused and resolute in discharging their responsibilities.

“Please do not be distracted by those whose only trademark is to cause crisis to gain undeserved recognition in the region,” Ekerefe urged Ogbuku in the concluding part of his statement.