Traditional ruler urges NDDC boss to unite Ex-Agitators
The Chairman of the First Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, Henry Binidodogha has urged the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku to help unite ex-agitators.
Binidodogha, who is a traditional ruler made the call on Sunday in Asaba.
The traditional ruler who distanced himself from a publication alledging that he signed a statement in favour of the NDDC boss, explained that he did not authorise his name to be used in the said statement.
He noted that the statement tried to counter the opinion of the Coalition of Ex-agitators in Niger Delta (CEND) on the continuation of Ogbuku-led management team despite the dissolution of the NDDC board.
According to Binidodogha, “As a royal father, I shouldn’t be caught in the web of arguments and counter arguments. That will not be of any benefit to the people of Niger Delta region”.
He asked the national dailies which published the report to tender an unreserved apology to him and his palace or face a legal action.
“It is very wrong for the MD of NDDC to allow his media aides to use the name of Ex-agitator leaders to make publications without the approval or consent of the Leaders themselves.
”This clearly shows that the MD has no interest for the development of the region”, he said.
Binidodogha also said, ”there is a platform called Ex-Agitators leadership forum where I am in charge as the chairman, and there is a group called Coalition of Ex-Agitators in Niger Delta and several other groups.
”My responsibility as the chairman First Phase of the Presidential amnesty programme, is to bring all aggrieved groups together at every point in time to achieve peace and development in the region.
“I am, therefore, calling on the MD of NDDC Dr Sam Ogbuku to play the role of a leader, rather than the divide and rule tactics in order to avoid the breakdown of law and order in the region.
“As the chairman of the first phase of the presidential amnesty programme if given the opportunity, I can reach out to the Coalition of Ex-Agitators in Niger Delta leadership as a spiritual father and traditional ruler and leader with full capacity to address all issues that can attract peace and development in the region.”
Binidodogha recalled that immediately Ogbuku assumed office, he vowed to listen to all stakeholders in the region but regretably, the Managing Director has failed to fulfill his promise.
“My advice is that we should endeavour to stick to truth and honesty in all that we do. We should be focused at all times.
”There is no need for bad blood. Together we will get to the pinnacle. We should avoid unnecessary distraction that is gradually popping up.
”It will do no one any good. It can only set us back, and that’s not beneficial for our region he concluded.
