Ogbuku is the Worst NDDC Chairman Since Creation—Frank Akiefa

by Sylvester Owunka

A prominent Niger Delta activist and youth leader of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Frank Akiefa, has labeled the current leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the worst Managing Director in the commission's history. 

Akiefa's remarks was contained in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Warri, highlighting what he describes as a pattern of mismanagement and ineffective programs under Ogbuku's tenure.

According to Akiefa, the NDDC has seen a significant decline in its effectiveness since Ogbuku took office. He accused the chairman of implementing "flimsy programs" that fail to address the pressing needs of the Niger Delta region. "Under Ogbuku's leadership, we have witnessed a troubling trend of parading non-existent entities as beneficiaries of NDDC schemes and programmes," Akiefa stated, emphasizing the lack of tangible outcomes from the commission's initiatives.

The activist expressed frustration over the absence of quality infrastructural projects that should have emerged from the NDDC's efforts. "There is no visible impact or improvement in the lives of the people since Ogbuku assumed office. The Niger Delta region continues to grapple with underdevelopment, and the NDDC under Ogbuku seems to be more focused on publicity stunts than on delivering real change," he added.

Akiefa argued that Ogbuku's management of NDDC is reckless, 

and unimpactful to mandate areas, urging president Bola Tinubu and relevant agencies to probe NDDC under Ogbuku.

"There is a need for a comprehensive review of the commission's activities and a reassessment of its leadership to ensure that the interests of the Niger Delta people are prioritized".