A coalition of progressive leaders under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region has issued a strong rebuttal against what it describes as a “reckless smear campaign” targeting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
In a statement signed by HRH Alaowei Amawari, President General of the group, the stakeholders dismissed recent media reports linking Dr. Ogbuku to an alleged plan to support former President Goodluck Jonathan’s supposed 2027 presidential ambition. The group described the reports as “baseless, fictional, and politically motivated falsehoods peddled by faceless groups and obscure platforms.”
“This narrative is not only laughable but a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of a man who has shown nothing but loyalty and dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
The stakeholders noted that the attacks are part of repeated efforts by “petty political adversaries” to discredit the leadership of the NDDC and derail the ongoing developmental strides in the region. They asserted that the achievements under Ogbuku’s leadership, particularly the commissioning of the Commission’s permanent office building in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, are clear indicators of progress and vision.
“It took 25 years since the establishment of the NDDC for Bayelsa State to have a permanent and befitting Commission office, an accomplishment made possible under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership,” the group said.
They also expressed disappointment that instead of commendation, some elements have chosen to malign Dr. Ogbuku for political reasons. “Rather than a high-powered delegation from Bayelsa State thanking President Tinubu for appointing a result-driven leader, we are witnessing a wave of anti-development propaganda,” the statement lamented.
The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for both President Tinubu and Dr. Ogbuku, declaring that the region remains committed to the current administration and the president’s re-election bid in 2027.
“For those of us who have followed Dr. Ogbuku’s track record, there is no doubt that he is a loyal and key promoter of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His leadership reflects the aspirations of the region for meaningful progress,” they concluded.
