By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has debunked rising speculations suggesting he has ambitions to contest the 2024 Bayelsa State governorship election, insisting his only focus is to deliver on the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during a world press briefing in Asaba to mark the Commission’s 25th anniversary, Dr. Ogbuku stated emphatically that he has not declared interest in any political contest. He maintained that his current assignment as chief executive of the NDDC is too critical to be distracted by electioneering rumors.
“I want to clearly state that I never told anyone I am contesting any election,” Ogbuku said. “My only focus now is to execute the assignment given to me by Mr. President as Managing Director of the NDDC.”
The statement came amid persistent rumours suggesting the NDDC boss was positioning himself for the governorship race in his home state of Bayelsa. However, Ogbuku used the occasion to reaffirm his dedication to the Commission’s developmental mission, distancing himself from political distractions.
The press briefing, held at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, served as the official flag-off of the NDDC’s silver jubilee celebrations. It brought together stakeholders, journalists, and development partners from across the Niger Delta.
Under Ogbuku’s leadership, the Commission has recorded significant milestones including the completion of inherited projects, youth empowerment schemes, free medical outreaches, deployment of solar-powered streetlights to rural communities, and the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme.
“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in this current board,” Ogbuku said. “We will remain focused and committed to delivering impactful projects that reflect the aspirations of our people.”
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Chiedu Ebie, also emphasized that the board is operating as a cohesive team, guided by transparency and public engagement to reposition the agency for optimal service delivery.
The weeklong anniversary celebration is scheduled to conclude with a grand gala and awards night in Port Harcourt on July 12. The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Boma Iyayi, disclosed that the event will also feature a beauty pageant to showcase the culture of the Niger Delta.
With clear messaging and firm denial of political intentions, Dr. Ogbuku’s remarks aim to put an end to what he considers a distraction from the Commission’s developmental goals and the expectations of the people of the Niger Delta.
