The Joint Representatives Council of Ogoni Youth Groups (JRC) has strongly condemned and refuted a recent press statement by Raymond Nwibani, calling for the removal of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, CEO/MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a statement signed by Ledogo Amabu, JRC Chairman and Convener of the Ogoni Comrades and Patriots Forum, the council described Nwibani as an “unauthorized comrade” who needs to “report back to base for training.”
JRC, a coalition of Ogoni youths, students, women, and civil society organizations, emphasized its social license to protect Ogoni’s overall interest and development. The council expressed its support for Dr. Ogbuku and urged cooperation among Ogoni stakeholders.
The council noted that the Ogoni issue, as advanced by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), is an international struggle that requires strategic engagement.
JRC, a stakeholders’ structure supporting NYCOP, warned against using the organization to instigate crises in the Niger Delta region, emphasizing its mandate to protect the Ogoni youths’ brand and interests.
JRC stated that Ogoni people are significant stakeholders in the region and do not need protests to demand recognition.
The Convener notes that the council aligned itself with Senator Barry Mpigi’s position, urging empowerment of Ogoni youths, and condemned attempts to bring down the NDDC MD, Dr. Ogbuku.
He strongly condemned incessant insults and threats against Dr. Ogbuku, calling on those responsible to stop immediately, regretting any inconvenience caused to the MD and emphasized the need for unity across leadership ranks to advance Ogoni development and economic prosperity.
The statement reads in part: “Ogoni people do not need protests to demand recognition in the Niger Delta; we are significant stakeholders in the region.
“JRC aligns with our leaders’ position, Senator Barry Mpigi who recently met with the MD and urged him to empower Ogoni youths.
” We condemn in strong terms the attempt to bring down the MD and instead advocate for unity across leadership ranks. We must unite beyond ideological differences and political affiliations to advance Ogoni development and economic prosperity.
“JRC strongly condemns incessant insults and threats often hurled at the person of Dr. Sam Ogbuku, NDDC’s CEO/MD.
“The council also expressed dismay at the unethical practice of commercial activism using the name of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and vowed to investigate further.
“On this note, Ogoni youth stakeholders at JRC call on all those insulting the MD to stop immediately.
However, Amabu, urged the Ogoni community to cooperate with the Nigerian government under President Ahmed Tinubu, who they believe understands the Niger Delta environment.
He called on all Ogoni youths to remain calm and withdraw from any planned protests against the NDDC MD, emphasizing their readiness to partner with the commission to empower Ogoni youths.
The statement concluded with a strong warning against attempts to undermine Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership and the NDDC’s progress, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among Ogoni stakeholders.