G urged to disregard petitions against leadership of NDDC, other Ijaw leaders

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urged the Federal Government to disregard various petitions and threats of mass protests aimed at undermining the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other notable Ijaw leaders in the country.

The President of INC, Prof Ogele Okaba, in a statement made available to the newsmen, condemned the threats of mass protests, multiple petitions, and a smear campaign against the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku

He submitted that similar things had been done to the likes of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), High Chief Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and his security company, Tantita Security Services Ltd.

It was stated that these individuals have dedicated their efforts to improving the security, development, and overall welfare of Ijaws and the Niger Delta, yet they have become targets of slander, petitions, protestations, and other calculated schemes designed to discredit their work.

“These divisive attacks, often fuelled by selfish interests rather than for the general good of Ijaw people, are putting the Ijaw nation in a negative light before the Nigerian government and the international community.

“If these malicious actions continue, they will only result in national and international political leadership sidelining Ijaw leaders in national and sub-national appointments.

This will be a major setback for our people, who have fought tirelessly to gain this level of recognition and leadership roles in national and international affairs.

“The ripple effect of this character assassination on the general wellbeing of the Ijaw can only be imagined.

The INC strongly believes and encourages Ijaws in all spheres of life to hold our leaders at all levels (community, council, state, and national) accountable through more civilised and constructive engagement and criticism mechanisms, deploying the already well-established institutional frameworks existing at our community and ethnic organisation platforms.

“We will not sit idly by and watch unpatriotic individuals or groups dent our collective image and undermine the progress that has come to us at the cost of great sacrifices—including the blood of many Ijaw heroes.

This is a serious warning to all those engaging in these dastardly and destructive acts.

“It is important to emphasise that Dr Ogbuku (like those mentioned earlier) has demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. His tenure has seen the implementation of numerous impactful projects, including the “Light Up Niger Delta” campaign, which has delivered thousands of solar-powered streetlights across various communities in the region. Many ongoing dredging and land reclamation projects and road projects across the Niger Delta are crucial for infrastructural and economic development.

“These community-driven projects are aimed at improving the standard of living across Ijaw land.

“We call on all well-meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to prioritise the collective interest of the Ijaw nation over personal or political rivalries. It is imperative that we stand united in defending and supporting our leaders who are making tangible contributions to the advancement of our people.

“We also urge the Federal Government, the NDDC Board, and all relevant stakeholders to disregard any politically motivated petitions or attempts to discredit the leadership of Dr Ogbuku and other Ijaw leaders. Instead, efforts should be directed towards strengthening the development agenda for the Niger Delta and ensuring that the region continues to benefit from its rightful share of national resources