The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has renewed its call for a thorough investigation into the activities of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), citing widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement under his leadership.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Forum’s spokesperson, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, and made available to journalists in Warri on Monday, the IPF urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an independent probe into the Commission. The group expressed disappointment in what it described as the EFCC’s recent “unhealthy alliance” with the NDDC, which it believes could undermine anti-corruption efforts in the region.
The Forum commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its proactive stance against corruption within the NDDC, particularly during its recent anti-corruption sensitization workshop, where staff were warned of severe consequences for unethical practices.
Calling on the EFCC to emulate the ICPC’s resolve, the IPF highlighted a number of alleged corrupt practices at the NDDC, including:
Contract racketeering and ghost projects (notably the so-called “Project Hope”)
Unauthorized expenditures and questionable third-party contractor payments
Execution of substandard or abandoned infrastructure projects
Failure to fulfill contractual obligations and the promotion of unrealistic youth-focused programs
“The EFCC must rise above political alliances and fulfill its statutory duty as a watchdog over all public institutions,” the statement read. “Its recent public commendation of the Ogbuku-led NDDC administration raises serious concerns and risks eroding public trust in the agency’s integrity.”
The IPF warned that aligning with those accused of misappropriating development funds risks alienating the very communities the Commission is meant to serve. “The EFCC should not become a friend to the cat. It must stand with the impoverished people of the Niger Delta in their quest for justice and development,” the Forum added.
On the recent collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC, the Forum raised alarm over what it described as a potentially compromising relationship that could hinder transparency.
“The partnership between the NDDC and the EFCC is troubling and may serve to shield those involved in corruption rather than expose them,” the statement noted.
“The EFCC must refocus on its core mandate of prosecution and prevention of corruption, rather than forging alliances that could compromise its credibility.”
The Forum concluded by reiterating its demand for a full-scale investigation into the activities of the NDDC under Dr. Ogbuku, stressing the urgent need to recover looted funds and hold corrupt officials accountable.
“The continued use of fraudulent schemes to divert resources meant for the Niger Delta’s development is unacceptable. We call on the EFCC to act decisively or risk being viewed as complicit in the very corruption it was created to fight,” the IPF declared.
