PANDEF Youth Leader Calls for Cancellation of Planned Protest Against NDDC MD

The National Youth Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Donben Donyegha, has made a surprising call for the cancellation of a planned protest against the removal of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbukwu.

This development comes amid growing tensions and controversy surrounding the NDDC's leadership and management practices.

Chief Donben Donyegha made the call

According to reports, the planned protest was sparked by allegations of administrative lapses and legal breaches in the appointment of Chiedu Ebie as the NDDC Chairman and mismanagement of funds by the NDDC leadership.

However, the PANDEF Youth Leader's call for cancellation suggests that there may be a reevaluation of the situation or a possible resolution in the works.

Chief Donben, while calling on such persons to stop their actions in their own interest and for the Niger Delta region, said that the same persons are also out to cause disaffection among Niger Deltans in a bid to ensure that there is tension in the region as 2027 draws closer.

He emphasized that the political undertone in the group's demand cannot be mistaken. Their vent, he stressed, is politically motivated and should be stopped immediately so that the Niger Delta will continue to enjoy the peace the region has been enjoying since 2016.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had previously counseled against the planned protest, citing concerns about potential disruptions to public order. It remains to be seen whether the cancellation of the protest will ease tensions in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Niger Delta region remains a critical focus area for development and investment. The NDDC's role in driving this growth and addressing the region's unique challenges is paramount.

PANDEF, as a leading stakeholder, will not sit and watch the region brought into disrepute to truncate the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the Niger Delta as an investment destination.

Chief Donyegha said with the agenda hinged on the core pillars of democracy, development, demographics, and diaspora engagement, the present moment serves as the opportune time to remind both Niger Deltans and the global community that the region stands ready to embrace the future and conduct business without any hindrance through insistent protest by faceless groups.