NDDC Denies Rift Between Boss and FCT Minister, Dismisses Tenure Rumors

PORT HARCOURT,  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has refuted recent online reports alleging a conflict between its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. In a press statement released on February 10, 2025, the NDDC dismissed the reports as “mischievous” and “false.”

The statement, signed by Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, specifically addressed the headline “Uproar in NDDC As Ogbuku, Wike Fight Dirty,” stating that “nothing can be farther from the truth.” The NDDC emphasized the cordial relationship between Dr. Ogbuku and Chief Wike, as well as the Managing Director’s positive relationships with other Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders.

The NDDC also dismissed claims of a jostle for the Managing Director position, attributing these rumors to those seeking to create confusion within the board and pit Dr. Ogbuku against Chief Wike. The statement further rejected insinuations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chief James Ibori, labeling them as attempts to fabricate a crisis scenario within the NDDC and the region.

The NDDC expressed concern that these “mischief makers” are attempting to derail the commission’s innovative policies and distract the board and management, led by Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Ogbuku, from delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate for the Niger Delta.
Addressing rumors regarding the NDDC board’s tenure, the statement clarified that the current board was appointed for a four-year term, beginning on August 29, 2023. It emphasized that Dr. Ogbuku’s reappointment was for a full four-year term, citing Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act to support this claim.

The NDDC highlighted its focus on improving transparency, leveraging technology for accountability and efficiency, and engaging with stakeholders to develop programs that uplift the people and the region.

The commission urged the public to disregard the “false stories” and support its efforts to bring development to the Niger Delta. The statement concluded with an assurance that the NDDC board and management remain committed to serving the region’s best interests and will not be distracted by “enemies of progress.”