Niger Delta
Jonathan’s Kinsmen Pass Confidence Vote On Tinubu … Praise President On Ogbuku’s Reappointment
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Ogbia Kinsmen have passed vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The kinsmen on Monday convoked a press conference in which the nation’s first citizen was lauded for his leadership qualities.
Ogbia Kingdom, which has visible presence in both Rivers and Bayelsa State, is noted for its vast array of land suitable for agricultural produce.
The Kingdom also has vast reserves of oil and gas, which was first struck in commercial quantity in 1956 at Otabagi-Oloibiri communities in the present Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by Shell BP.
In an address delivered by the Acting National Chairman of the apex parent socio-cultural organization of the kingdom, the “Ogbia Brotherhood worldwide”, Dr. Azibalaguo Seibofa, the group while appreciating the President for finding their son, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, worthy to be appointed as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), called on the nation’s leader to discountenance faceless groups allegedly calling for the sack of the agency’s boss.
The Kingdom, which prides itself as the goose that lays the golden egg, leading to massive exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, called on all well meaning Nigerians, especially the Niger Delta region, to support and partner the current management of the NDDC headed by Ogbuku for the growth and development of the region in various spheres.
Meanwhile, grand monarch of the kingdom, His Eminence, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, has lamented the neglect of the kingdom in spite of its socio-economic relevance to the nation.
“Ogbia is where oil was first struck in commercial quantity and contributing to the economic development of the country, yet it lacks basic infrastructural development compared to what have been taken from the area”, the monarch said.
The kinsmen, who also lamented moves by some mischievous persons threatening to organize protests against the NDDC helmsman, warned that such a move would be counter productive, noting that they are peace loving and want people of the Niger Delta region to emulate their peaceful disposition, while extending their thanks for their cooperation and support for the NDDC helmsman.
“We want to thank former President Muhamadu Buhari on the appointment of our son, Dr. Samuel Ogboku, and also we express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his reappointment”, the Kingdom said.
The people further expressed satisfaction for the developmental strides of the NDDC under Ogboku’s leadership, adding that since his assumption of office, tremendous progress and unparalleled development have been achieved with various projects littered across the Niger Delta region.
They also relived the contributions of the first civilian governor of old Rivers State, the late Chief Melford Okilo, on his educational, canalization and development of new towns during his tenure as Governor.
Dignitaries present at the event include various clan heads of the kingdom from both Bayelsa and Rivers States.
Others are prominent Chiefs, traditional rulers, youths and women groups of the kingdom.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa