Niger Delta
Group Dismisses Call For NDDC MD’s Sack … Passes Confidence Vote.
A Pan Ogoni Youth Organization under the aegis of Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has dismissed allegations of corruption and nepotism by the Ethnic Coalition in Rivers State, levelled against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the call for his sack as baseless and ill intended.
The body also passed a vote of confidence on the present management of the NDDC led by Dr. Ogbuku, stating that it has operated within the ambit of its statutory mandate as an interventionist agency to develop the Niger Delta.
The position of the OYF was contained in a press Statement signed by the Acting President of the body, Comrade Emmanuel Goteh Bie, and made available to the press.
The statement, which read in part stated that, “It has come to our notice that the Ethnic youth coalition in a recent press briefing accused the MD of NDDC of nepotism, embezzlement of funds and called for his sack.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Legborsi Sunday Yamaabana, who claim to be the President of the Ethnic Youth Coalition, do not have the locus or legal standing to act in any of such capacity since he has been suspended/expelled from Ogoni Youth Federation for gross misconduct and embezzlement.
“The decision to releave Mr. Yamaabana of his position as President of OYF was reached at the ‘National Congress’ following thorough investigations and in accordance with the procedures outlined in the OYF constitution.
“The accusations of nepotism and corruption levelled against the NDDC MD is therefore a figment of imagination of Mr Yamaabana and his Co travelers.
“So far we are aware of the programmes and developmental strides of the M.D of NDDC and has also put up request for what we think will better the lot of our people, and we can proudly say that his response is friendly and acceptable and in accordance with the ethics of his office. It is in our knowledge that the MD is doing fine and deserves our support and solidarity”.
The statement restated the commitment of Ogoni Youth Federation, to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and working with relevant stakeholders towards the advancement and promotion of peace and development in Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta region.