The Niger Delta Peace Ambassadors (NDPA) has raised serious allegations against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, accusing him of sponsoring a political group known as the “New Associates” to destabilize Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Calabar, Cross River State, by its coordinator, Mr. Bassey Patrick, the group condemned what it described as Dr. Ogbuku’s alleged interference in the political stability of Bayelsa through the sponsorship of a faction led by Barr. George Turnah—a suspended member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr. Patrick claimed that the New Associates’ agenda was allegedly conceived during a meeting between Turnah and Dr. Ogbuku in Lagos, held on the sidelines of a public service award ceremony hosted by Sun Newspapers at Eko Hotel.
According to him, it was at this meeting that plans were finalized to use the group to undermine the PDP and sow political unrest in the state.
While acknowledging the achievements recorded by the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDPA cautioned the MD against aligning himself with individuals seeking personal political relevance through destabilizing activities.
“Bayelsa is the only homogeneous Ijaw state, and its people regard each other as brothers and sisters,” the group stated. “It is disheartening that some individuals are willing to destroy their own home for political gain.”
Mr. Patrick further warned that Turnah and his allies could learn from the North’s approach to politics, which, according to him, focuses on unity and regional development rather than internal sabotage.
The group urged Dr. Ogbuku to focus on his responsibilities as a political appointee under the APC-led federal government by channeling efforts into infrastructural development and regional progress, rather than engaging in partisan politics with the Commission’s resources.
They described the activities of the New Associates as a “smoke screen” for a broader agenda allegedly orchestrated by Dr. Ogbuku to destabilize Bayelsa’s peace and security. The group also dismissed the upcoming mega rally purportedly organized to thank President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a veiled political maneuver by the associates.
Clarifying Wike’s role, Mr. Patrick emphasized that the FCT Minister has no knowledge or involvement in the sponsorship of the New Associates, contrary to public speculation.
While applauding President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership style and harmonious relationship with governors across party lines, the group called on the President to caution the NDDC boss against using his office to fund groups with destabilizing intentions.
Mr. Patrick noted that Bayelsa’s current peace and security have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s increased crude oil output in recent years and should not be jeopardized by political scheming.
“Bayelsa has remained one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria in recent years due to the efforts of the present administration,” he said. “We cannot afford to reverse the progress made.”
