The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku (PhD), has distanced himself from recent media reports alleging that his purported arrest was instigated by the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Willie Etim, on Thursday, Ogbuku described the report as false, misleading, and mischievous, stressing that there is no form of rivalry or hostility between him and Governor Diri.
He condemned the publication attributed to a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which insinuated a feud between both leaders, saying it does not reflect the reality within the APC family in Bayelsa State.
“Any comments or opinions expressed by anyone on political matters in Bayelsa State should be regarded strictly as personal views and not as representing Dr Ogbuku’s position,” the statement clarified.
Ogbuku further cautioned against attempts to drag Governor Diri into unfounded political controversies, urging restraint and responsibility in public discourse.
“The attempt to link the governor to political controversies or rumours of arrest is both misleading, mischievous, and unnecessary,” he said.
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The NDDC boss also tendered an unreserved apology to the governor for any embarrassment the reports may have caused, calling on party members and the public to verify information before dissemination.
“We sincerely apologise for any embarrassment the publications may have caused His Excellency, Governor Diri,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid growing online speculation following unverified claims about Ogbuku’s alleged arrest, which he has now firmly denied.