The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku (PhD), has distanced himself from media reports suggesting that his rumoured arrest was linked to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 31, 2025, by his Special Assistant on Media, Dr Willie Etim, Dr Ogbuku described the publication as misleading, mischievous, and unnecessary, stressing that there was no rift between him and the Bayelsa governor.
He also condemned the report attributed to a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which insinuated political rivalry within the APC in Bayelsa State.
“There is no rivalry in the APC family in Bayelsa State,” the statement read. “Any comments or opinions expressed by individuals on political matters should be regarded strictly as their personal views and not as representing Dr Ogbuku’s position.”
Dr Ogbuku cautioned against attempts to drag Governor Diri into political controversies, noting that such actions were capable of misleading the public and misrepresenting facts.
The NDDC boss further apologised to Governor Diri for any embarrassment caused by the publication and appealed to party members and the general public to exercise restraint in making public statements, especially those that could fuel unnecessary tensions.
“We sincerely apologise for any embarrassment the publications may have caused His Excellency, Governor Diri,” Dr Etim added.