Ogbuku’s appointment in conformity with NDDC Act, says Ex-IYC spokesman, Ekerefe, warns agents of destabilization

****Describes recent visit to First Lady, Sen. Remy Tinubu as strategic to the development of the Niger Delta region

The immediate past spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, has attributed the slow development in the Niger Delta region to the activities of individuals who attack successive management boards of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ekerefe, who is also the national leader of the Niger Delta advocacy group, New Era Movement (NEM), made this known on Monday in Yenagoa while addressing newsmen regarding claims disputing the tenure of the NDDC helmsman, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

He said the arguments of those secretly pushing for the termination of Ogbuku’s tenure are mischievous and baseless.

“Their claims that Dr. Samuel Ogbuku is completing the tenure of Bayelsa State are not only callous but lack substance and merit, as they do not reflect the intention of President Bola Tinubu when he forwarded his name to the Senate for proper screening before his subsequent appointment and inauguration as Managing Director of the NDDC,” Ekerefe said.

The youth leader pointed out that President Tinubu, while listening to the concerns of the people of the region, did not contemplate halting the board halfway but acted in line with the NDDC Act, which is very clear and unambiguous on the tenure of the Board.

Ekerefe quoted the Act, saying, “Subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the NDDC Act, a member of the Board, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of four years in the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.”

He said that mischief-makers should be careful not to create confusion that could destabilize the region and reverse the Commission back to the days of legal tussles, hostilities, instability, corruption, and abandonment of projects that were successfully fought and defeated by genuine stakeholders who mean well for the region.

“While I agree that there is still a lot of work to be done, the performance of the Commission in the last year and a few months is an indication of a serious-minded leadership that is committed to transforming the region and making it more developed and prosperous.

“Therefore, these efforts should not be truncated on the altar of politics and sentiment.

“Furthermore, I feel concerned because I was part of those who actively participated in the advocacy that eventually culminated in the appointment of this board, and I have a moral duty to call for restraint and caution against attempts to derail the progress made so far when the need arises.

“I will continue to appeal for understanding and cooperation from stakeholders to allow Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his team to concentrate and pursue policies and programs that will positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our people,” he said.

Ekerefe described Ogbuku’s visit to the wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, as apt and commendable.

He noted that as an indigene of the Niger Delta, the First Lady has a special interest in the empowerment and advancement of women nationwide, particularly in the Niger Delta.

“The visit is commendable and timely. It shows that Ogbuku has a clear understanding of the need for proper engagement with key stakeholders, especially the First Lady, who is from the region.

“He definitely needs her support, collaboration, and partnership to ensure that women are given priority attention in the programs of the Commission under his watch.

“I will continue to encourage him and his team to remain focused and deliver on the mandate given to them by Mr. President and not be distracted by agents of destabilization,” the former IYC spokesman declared.