Niger Delta Leaders Call For Release Of NDDC Forensic Audit Report

Niger Delta leaders from various ethnic nationalities have extolled the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The leaders under the auspices of the Forum of Presidents of Apex Ethnic Nationalities, elder statesmen, and opinion leaders in the Niger Delta expressed delight at the pace of development across the region under the current leadership of the NDDC.
They lauded the Board’s transformative leadership, highlighting initiatives like Project Hope, Youth Internship Scheme, and the Light up the Niger Delta programme, which have notably improved social infrastructure and human development in the region.
In a statement signed by the leaders including Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, former National Chairman of PANDEF, the forum commended the Board’s commitment to transparency and prudent resource management, which has enhanced stakeholder confidence and promoted equitable development at the grassroots level.
Other leaders who endorsed the statement include Prof. A. W. Obianime, Elder. T. K. Ogoriba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Hillary Wordu, Ms Annkio Briggs, Dr Aziba-Aloaguo Seibofa, Dr. Ken Robinson and Legborsi Pyagbara.
There were also Olorogun Ese Gam Owe, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Elder Marshall Kunnon, Chief Edward Ekpoko, Prof. Emenike Wami, Prof. Simeon Achinewu, Obong Ita Edet Ante and Chief Thompson Robert Fouye. Others were Mr Kennedy Tonjo West, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, Hon. Deo D. Kalsuo, Chief Lawrence Akpeti, Chief Kennedy Odiowei, Elder Passman Warten, Mr Dominic Sattah, Engr. George M. Okitikpi, Amb. A. W. Cotterel, Amb. Hope. H Erekosima, Charles Omusuku, and Apostle Godgift West, Bishop (Dr.) Victor Thomas.
Chief Agu Philip, Pastor Felix D. Etela, Comrade Obubo G. Opukeme, Chief Victor Eyororokumo, Mr. Peter A. Goodyear, Hon. Dimieri Festus Pepple, Eld. Solomon Tamunobere, Chief T. I. Robinson, Mr. Sofiri G. Dappa and Sir Esang Nsa Bassey also endorsed the statement.
“The current NDDC Team, led by Barr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has brought hope and renewed energy to the region,” the statement read.
They listed the construction of 142 health centres, the revival of free healthcare programmes, and the ongoing Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital project in Port Harcourt; the scholarship programmes supporting over 2,300 students and like the U-Lesson educational programme.
The forum urged President Tinubu to ignore calls to dissolve the current Board, warning that such actions could disrupt ongoing projects and destabilize the region.
Acknowledging support from the National Assembly, ministers, governors, and other stakeholders, the forum called for continued collaboration to sustain development efforts. They also advocated for the release of the NDDC forensic audit report to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability.