Niger Delta Groups have accused NDDC MD, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku of neglect despite their loyalty and support.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that three influential Niger Delta advocacy groups; Orashi National Congress (ONC), Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, and the Sustainable Development & Peace Initiative of Indigenous Contractors (Niger Delta) have accused the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, of sidelining them despite their longstanding support for his administration.
At a press conference held Thursday, June 5, in Port Harcourt, the coalition, led by Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, President General of ONC and Chairman of the Indigenous Contractors’ Initiative, expressed dismay over what they described as “total neglect” by the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership.
“No one in the region can deny our unwavering support for Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku since he assumed office,” Ibe stated. “When he faced opposition, we stood by him. We held press briefings, engaged the media, highlighted his achievements, and even mobilized to Abuja—entirely at our own expense—to defend his mandate. We also wrote to the President to advocate for stability at the Commission.”
Despite these efforts, the groups say they have been excluded from the Commission’s empowerment and development programs, alleging unfulfilled promises of inclusion.
“He assured us that we would be carried along, and we in turn pledged our loyalty,” Ibe added. “But nothing has come of it. Our youths are growing restless and accusing us of compromise, which is unfair. We’ve remained committed, yet we’re left in the cold.”
The coalition, made up predominantly of youth from the oil-producing region, also noted their ongoing support for peacebuilding and anti-sabotage efforts. They pointed to their roles in discouraging pipeline vandalism, illegal refining (‘kpo fire’), and cultism, saying their peaceful advocacy has earned commendation from security agencies and traditional rulers.
“We are not asking for handouts,” said Ibe. “We are demanding fairness. We’ve worked for peace, championed development, and stood by the NDDC leadership through thick and thin. It is disheartening that others continue to reap benefits while we remain marginalized.”
The groups called on Dr. Ogbuku to urgently address youth empowerment and inclusion, using the Commission’s various initiatives to recognize those who have consistently supported its mission and stability.
As discontent grows within Niger Delta stakeholder circles, the spotlight now turns to how the NDDC boss will respond to the grievances of grassroots allies who once formed the bedrock of his support base.