NDDC: Wike’s Criticism Will Spur Us On
… Wike served Rivers people well, Ogbuku acknowledges
By Our Reporter
Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDCThe NDDC says the recent criticism of its modus operandi in the Niger Delta by Ex-governor Nyesom Wike would spur it to perform better.
Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Commission who spoke to journalists on Thursday disclosed that the organization under his watch is gradually undergoing transformation.
Wike had described the NDDC as a fat cash cow which has been unable over the years to champion the speedy development of the oil rich region.
He said most of the Commission’s projects have been far less impactful on the social and economic needs of various oil bearing states and their communities.
Accusing the NDDC of doing too little to spearhead progress and growth within the Niger Delta, the ex-Rivers governor alleged that the uncoordinated approach to issues of development by the agency has tended most of the time to distort masterplans laid out by oil producing states.
According to him, if the intention of the Commission is to jump start progress and physical development, it would embark on projects like the Port Harcourt Ring Road.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road conceived by Governor Similanayi Fubara is expected to traverse six local government areas within Rivers State in three years time.
The State Government would build six flyovers and a bridge across water in order to finish the road project.
But on Thursday, the NDDC said Wike’s discription of the agency as a cash cow designed to siphon funds is a criticism that would challenge it to achieve its goal.
Former Governor Nyesom Wike lashes out at the NDDC, says it is simply a “cash cow” that has done very little for Niger Delta people.
Ogbuku stated that it was far better not to join issues with the former Rivers Governor whom, he acknowledged, did exceedingly well in office.
“We will not join issues with former governor Nyesom Wike. He has done well for the people of Rivers State, especially in urban modernization”, the Managing Director emphasized.
“For the past six months”, Ogbuku explained, “NDDC has been building a sustainable foundation to ensure we run on a smooth and right track.
“We are working to put in place a corporate governance system that will enable the Commission to run in accordance with global best practices.”
Expatiating on the reason why the Commission’s current leadership is adopting new “processes and procedures”, Ogbuku stressed, “Once there is a corporate governance system, you cannot beat it.”
“That is the game changer for us. We want to regulate ourselves internally; that is why we must establish a system,” the Managing Director added.