Jubilation In Ogbia Kingdom As Tinubu Reappoints Ogbuku As NDDC Boss

Jubilation In Ogbia Kingdom As Tinubu Reappoints Ogbuku As NDDC Boss

The people of Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State have expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing their son, Samuel Ogbuku, as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)……READ MORE 

During a press conference in Yenagoa, traditional rulers and community leaders urged an end to protests against Ogbuku’s reappointment, calling for unity and constructive dialogue for the progress of the Niger Delta region.

King Dumaro Charles-Owaba, the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, alongside Azibalaguo Seibofa, the Acting National Chairman of Ogbia Brotherhood, also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for initially appointing Ogbuku and praised Tinubu for renewing his tenure.

Seibofa lamented that despite Ogbia Kingdom’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy, the region remains underdeveloped. He highlighted that since the discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri in 1956, vast quantities of oil and gas have been extracted without corresponding infrastructural development.

He also pointed out the severe environmental damage caused by decades of oil exploration, including wildlife destruction, pollution, and loss of aquatic life, with no intervention from the Federal Government or oil companies.

Ogbia leaders emphasized that, despite their vital role in Nigeria’s oil industry, no indigene from the kingdom has ever been appointed to lead any major government interventionist agency. They cited historical examples of political marginalization, including the removal of Senator Melford Okilo as Rivers State Governor in 1983 and the 2015 electoral defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In response to protests against Ogbuku’s reappointment, Seibofa urged aggrieved groups to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and support Ogbuku’s leadership in the NDDC.

The Ogbia leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and development while appreciating President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They also extended their gratitude to the governors of the nine NDDC states, encouraging them to continue their efforts to improve the Niger Delta region.

“We appreciate the policies and projects initiated under the Renewed Hope Agenda and extend our support to the governors of the NDDC states,” they stated.

The leaders called on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to work together in unity to ensure the region’s collective progress.