“Diri and Ogbuku Deserve National Recognition for Ending Years of Bayelsa–NDDC Conflict, Aide Says”
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — The Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has called for the internalization and institutionalization of the growing partnership between the Bayelsa State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing the collaboration as a major driver of peace, infrastructure development, and economic progress in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ikuli said the relationship between Governor Douye Diri’s administration and the leadership of the NDDC under Managing Director, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku, has transformed what was once marked by rivalry into a productive alliance delivering tangible benefits to Bayelsans.
According to him, previous administrations often experienced strained relations with the interventionist agency, resulting in unnecessary political tension, duplication of projects, and the abandonment of critical infrastructure across the state.
He argued that Governor Diri had changed that narrative by embracing collaboration rather than confrontation, a move he said has accelerated development across Bayelsa.
Ikuli noted that several previously abandoned NDDC road projects had been transferred to the Bayelsa State Government for completion, citing the strategic Polaku–Sabageria Road as one of the successful examples of the partnership.
He also highlighted the ongoing joint construction of the inter-state road linking Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Anambra states through Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas, describing the project as economically significant for commerce and regional integration
According to him, the road, which was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan but stalled after 2015, has witnessed renewed construction efforts through the collaboration between the state government and the NDDC.
He commended OKMAS Construction Company for what he described as the quality of work currently being executed on the project.
Beyond road infrastructure, Ikuli praised the widespread installation of solar-powered street lights across Yenagoa and several communities, saying the initiative has transformed the state’s night-time environment and improved public safety.
He stated that the once-common darkness across Bayelsa had given way to brightly illuminated streets, describing it as a practical reflection of the state’s anthem, which proclaims, “Let there be Light.”
The governor’s aide maintained that the current atmosphere of cooperation has replaced the political tensions that previously characterized relations between the state government and the NDDC, allowing both institutions to focus on delivering meaningful development to the people.
Ikuli urged future leaders to sustain the collaborative approach by making it an enduring institutional culture rather than one dependent on individuals in office.
He also commended Governor Douye Diri and NDDC Managing Director Chief Samuel Ogbuku for what he described as visionary leadership, expressing hope that other political leaders across the Niger Delta would emulate their example in prioritizing development through partnership.
He further advised scholars and students of political science and development studies to examine Governor Diri’s leadership and development strategies, arguing that the administration’s approach offers valuable lessons in governance, intergovernmental cooperation, and sustainable development.
