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Read full statement below:
Re: Unfounded Threat of Protest Against the Leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSO4GG) wishes to respond to the recent threats of protest issued by a group purporting to be the “Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations,” demanding the sack of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Samuel Ogbuku and Chairman of the Board, Mr Chinese Ebie. This group has raised frivolous and baseless allegations of administrative lapses and legal breaches within the NDDC, all of which are unfounded and lack merit.
Firstly, it is important to note that the so-called “Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations” is nothing more than a group of political actors masquerading as civil society organizations. Their true intentions are not to represent the people of the Niger Delta, but rather to undermine the significant progress being made in the region. Their attempt to destabilize the NDDC leadership under Mr. Samuel Ogbuku is a thinly veiled attempt to derail the positive momentum that has been achieved under this administration, which has brought unprecedented development, transparency, and accountability to the region.
Regarding their claims that Mr. Chiedu Ebie’s appointment as NDDC Chairman violates the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment Etc.) Act 2000, we categorically reject this assertion. The group has clearly misinterpreted Section 2(2) of the NDDC Establishment Act, which does not in any way invalidate Mr. Ebie’s appointment. The Act does not stipulate that the Chairman of the NDDC must come from a specific state or region, and Mr. Ebie’s appointment is both lawful and in line with the relevant provisions of the law. This claim is yet another example of the group’s attempts to sow division and confusion in the region, without any legal or factual basis.
Under the current leadership of the NDDC, significant strides have been made in improving the quality of life for citizens across the nine Niger Delta states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Rivers, and Ondo. The NDDC has prioritized the equitable distribution of contracts and development projects, ensuring that all states benefit fairly from the Commission’s interventions. From infrastructure projects to skill development programs, the current leadership has shown a commitment to uplifting the people of the Niger Delta, regardless of political affiliation or geographical location.
Furthermore, the NDDC has also demonstrated a commitment to fairness and transparency in the allocation of scholarship opportunities, ensuring that deserving students from across the region have access to educational support to further their careers. These achievements speak volumes about the leadership’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.
In light of these remarkable accomplishments, we, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, hereby pass a vote of confidence in the leadership of the NDDC, under the able stewardship of Mr. Samuel Ogbuku. We call on President Bola Tinubu to disregard the unfounded demands for their sack and to continue to support the ongoing efforts of the NDDC to bring development and prosperity to the Niger Delta region.
We urge the public to see through the distractions created by political actors who are only interested in sabotaging the progress being made in the region. The people of the Niger Delta deserve leaders who are committed to their welfare, and we firmly believe that the current NDDC leadership is dedicated to ensuring the long-term development of the region.
Signed,
Comrade Johnson Oluwatobi
Spokesman