File photo: MD, NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on Thursday addressed agricultural stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, amid widespread social media reports alleging his arrest.
The rumours surfaced following reports of a raid on the Abuja residence of a former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, by operatives of the Defence Headquarters. However, Ogbuku’s public appearance at the event dispelled the speculation.
One of Ogbuku’s close associates and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena, described the reports as false and politically motivated.
Nabena reportedly said the story was “a fabrication by political opponents seeking to distract the NDDC boss from his duties.”
Speaking during a two-day strategic meeting organized ahead of an upcoming agricultural summit, Dr. Ogbuku urged the South-South region to look beyond oil and embrace agriculture as a driver of sustainable development.
He emphasized that agriculture holds the key to transforming the Niger Delta’s economy and creating new opportunities for employment and growth.
The meeting, which began in Port Harcourt, was attended by Commissioners of Agriculture and Permanent Secretaries from all nine Niger Delta states.
Although Dr. Ogbuku did not refer to the arrest rumours, Nabena reiterated that the NDDC chief remained focused on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We woke up yesterday to see some fabricated social media reports that Dr. Sam Ogbuku was arrested. For what reason? This morning, he was live in Port Harcourt speaking at the ongoing agricultural summit, which was broadcast on two national TV stations. This should put the purveyors of fake news to shame,” Nabena said.
He urged the public to disregard the reports, describing Dr. Ogbuku as “one of the trusted and reliable hands in the Renewed Hope administration who remains dedicated to his duties at the Commission.”
