A former Member of the Federal House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, has criticized the calls urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to renew the tenure of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,
These calls emerged after a traditional ruler accused the current NDDC leadership of malfeasance, maladministration, and politicization of the commission, prompting him to call on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the activities under Ogbuku’s management.
In response, Sunny-Goli, in a press statement released in Yenagoa on Saturday, stated: “For the first time, the people of the Niger Delta region are experiencing the positive impact of the NDDC through its people-centered initiatives, programs, and policies.”
“We have never had it this good as a people, as can be seen in the sense of belonging every well-meaning stakeholder has been accorded through the open-door policy of the Ogbuku-led NDDC.
“The NDDC under Ogbuku is intentional in facilitating the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region and has shown unwavering commitment in this regard. As we can all attest to, the commission under Ogbuku is creating economic prosperity, social stability, ecological regeneration, and political peace in the region, which are the core mandate of the commission.
“Look at the Youth Internship Scheme, for instance. It is a strategic initiative launched to support the professional growth and employability of Niger Delta youths. The programme aims to select 10,000 beneficiaries in its first phase, who will participate in a 12-month internship, to give them experiential learning opportunities that will enhance their personal development and industry, as well as add value to the region.
“The medical outreaches embarked upon by the commission have been well received across the Niger Delta, as thousands have been provided with free medical services, including surgeries where needed.
“The NDDC under Ogbuku has delivered a lot of projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, healthcare access, and agricultural development.
“The commission’s commitment to empowering communities through education, skills training, and job creation is evident under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership. Initiatives like the NDDC Internship programme, the scholarship programme, and the Project Hope initiative give credence to this fact.
“Our communities are now becoming safer for our people, as the operation light-up the Niger Delta initiative, which is spreading across communities in the 9 States of the Niger Delta, is illuminating the nooks and crannies across the region with solar-powered light. These laudable initiatives have greatly reduced crime and criminality in the region.
“Most importantly, we have witnessed exceptional rectitude in the award of contracts, with due process being the watchword under the Ogbuku administration.”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the claims, saying “it is done in bad faith.”
(allnews.ng)
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