Youth leaders of Ethnic Nationalities in Niger Delta region have rejected the call for the sack of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku by a faceless body, ‘Pan Niger Delta Youth leaders Forum’.
In a communique read by the spokesman of the youth leaders, in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, the group described such a call as illogical and unpatriotic.
According to the youth leaders Dr. Ogbuku has facilitated project delivery in the region in line with the directive from President Tinubu.
“It is insulting that impostors would call for the removal of a Managing Director who is transforming the NDDC.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has Revived confidence through completion of abandoned projects.
Strengthened stakeholder engagement.
Aligned NDDC’s work with Federal Government priorities.
Restored credibility by pursuing transparency and accountability.
To call for his sack is illogical and a direct assault on Niger Delta aspirations. No genuine Niger Delta son or daughter acting in good faith would demand the removal of a leader delivering results”
In the same vein, President Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri who doubles as chairman of Ethnic Nationalities Youth leaders, observed that such publication against NDDC MD by the unknown youth body could affect peace and security of the region.
Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth leaders also demanded that people of the oil rich region be accorded the right of first refusal in the allocation of oil and gas assets in the region by regulatory bodies.
“On the ongoing bid round by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NDENYLF demands that Niger Delta indigenes be accorded the right of first refusal in allocation of oil and gas assets located within the region.
These assets sit on our land, affect our environment, and define our socio-economic realities. It is only just that Niger Delta people are not reduced to spectators in the exploitation of resources found in their homeland.
We recall with concern that previous bid rounds overwhelmingly favored non-Niger Delta interests, excluding host communities and indigenous operators. This exclusion has bred resentment, deepened inequality, and undermined local capacity.
We call on NUPRC and the Federal Government to correct this structural imbalance in the current bid round and beyond.,”
“We reaffirm our commitment to peace, progress, accountability, and constructive engagement with the Federal Government and its agencies.
We urge the media and public to verify the credibility of groups claiming to speak for the Niger Delta. Resist false narratives designed to sow discord.
The Niger Delta deserves development, not deception; truth, not theatrics; peace, not provocation.”
The Ethnic Nationalities Youth leaders asked security agencies to monitor the activities of the unknown individuals
