By Peter Dansu
The Niger Delta Integrity and Democracy Network (NDIDN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) due to his deep and compromising ties to former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva who is alleged to be involved in coup plot against the President
Sylva is named as the seventh defendant, marked “still at large,” in a 13-count treason and terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
While the case against the ex-Minister continues, the group insists that his close associate should not remain in charge of a sensitive federal agency.
“Dr. Samuel Ogbuku is a well-known political loyalist of Timipre Sylva and reportedly served as his Chief of Staff during his governorship,” Comrade Francis Edafe, National Coordinator of NDIDN, stated in a press release.
“It was this godfather relationship that secured his appointment to head the NDDC.
"At a time when his principal is a fugitive facing grave charges of treason, allowing Ogbuku to control billions of naira meant for Niger Delta development is a dangerous national security risk.”
The group stressed that the connection runs far deeper than politics.
“Richie Imoh Tommy, the brother of Sylva’s wife, is believed to be serving as Personal Assistant to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku," Edafe added.
"This is not a loose association — it is a tight family and patronage network embedded right at the top of the NDDC.
"Such infiltration raises serious questions about whose interests are being protected: the suffering people of the Niger Delta or a network linked to anti-government activities."
Comrade Edafe accused Ogbuku of turning the Commission into what appears to be a personal fiefdom for questionable alliances.
“While communities continue to endure environmental pollution, abandoned projects, and youth unemployment, a man whose inner circle is so intimately tied to a wanted suspect cannot be trusted with public funds."
The statement further highlighted disturbing allegations of financial trails between NDDC contracts and the suspected coup financing.
Reports indicated that military intelligence and agencies like the NFIU and EFCC traced suspicious large sums — including claims of up to ₦45 billion in NDDC-related funds — with links to the plot.
The group further alleged that part of the funds suspected to have been used by ex governor Sylva to procure the violent removal of Mr. President from office, were largely sourced from NDDC which gave billions of naira contract to Okpoama Kingdom coastal protection , a company with strong and undeniable links to Sylva, during that period.
While Ogbuku and the NDDC management have denied any involvement or arrest, the group argued that these denials are insufficient in the face of grave national security concerns.
The NDIDN warned that Ogbuku’s continued stay in office undermines President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and exposes the region to further underdevelopment and potential instability.
“We demand the immediate sack of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. A comprehensive forensic audit of all contracts, projects, and financial transactions under his leadership must be launched without delay by the EFCC and security agencies.
"All influences traceable to the Sylva network within the NDDC should be thoroughly investigated and purged,” the statement added.
Edafe urged traditional rulers, youth groups, elders, and stakeholders across the Niger Delta to support this call.
"The NDDC belongs to the people, not to any godfather’s proxy. President Tinubu must act decisively to sanitise this vital institution and demonstrate zero tolerance for compromised leadership,” he concluded.
The group vowed to sustain public advocacy and explore all lawful avenues until concrete action is taken to protect public resources and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
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