A plot by detractors to rubbish the name of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and sabotage the work of the Commission has been exposed.

A reliable source close to the NDDC Headquarters in Yenagoa disclosed on Thursday that the Commission was in possession of intelligence reports indicating that some detractors were preparing to launch a campaign of calumny about the Commission and its Managing Director by twisting facts about Ogbuku’s recent 50th birthday celebration.

According to the source, who pleaded for anonymity, “The claims by these enemies of progress are false. There was no frivolity whatsoever associated with Dr. Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration and there was no such thing as the alleged ‘after-party’.

“This looks like a deliberate attempt to distract from Dr. Ogbuku’s record of service and the NDDC’s ongoing work in the Niger Delta.

“The truth is simple: his 50th birthday was a celebration of ideas, community, and faith, nothing more, nothing less.”

Insisting that Dr. Ogbuku marked his 50th birthday “in a manner befitting a man of vision, humility, and faith,” the source added: “The celebration was structured around intellectual reflection, communal celebration, and thanksgiving to God.

“The events are well-documented: A book launch in Abuja, a dinner in Port Harcourt, and a thanksgiving service in Bayelsa.

“At Abuja, two important books were unveiled: “Strategies & Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta”, “Rethinking the Niger Delta: Thoughts and Writings”. These reflect Dr. Ogbuku’s commitment to thought leadership and sustainable development for the Niger Delta.

“The Anniversary Dinner in Port Harcourt was a dignified gathering of family, friends, colleagues, and stakeholders who came to honour his life of service. The event was conducted with respect and moderation.

“Then there was a Thanksgiving Service held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ayakoro, Bayelsa State. This was a solemn act of gratitude to God, shared with family and the local community.

“Any suggestion of frivolity or excess is false, malicious, and contrary to the verifiable record of events.”

Contacted for comments, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs at NDDC, said: “We are too busy executing development projects to improve the lives of Niger Deltans and have no time for distractions."

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