…seeks more federal presence
Ogbia The United Kingdom in Bayelsa and Rivers States on Wednesday formally pledged to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the upcoming general elections.
They based their support on a tangible presence in the Niger Delta region and its inclusive governance.
In the delegation that met President Tinubu at the State House were Obanobhan Ogbia 111, His Royal Majesty Dumaro Charles Owaba; Obanobhan Emeyal, His Royal Majesty Wapabiama Amakiri and Olalebhu Abureni, His Royal Majesty, Collins Daniel.
Also in the entourage was the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
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King Collins Daniel, who spoke on behalf of others, pledged the unconditional support of his people to the success of the President’s efforts to build a greater Nigeria, and commended him for his commitment to inclusive development.
“In light of the above, we firmly believe that Mr. President has done us good and, as such, we cannot help but reciprocate his kind gesture by inviting Mr. President to participate in the upcoming presidential elections.
“You have the full support of the Kingdom of Ogbia. Mr. President, we are behind you,” said King Daniel.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director General said the delegation had come to express their appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership style and the trust he had reposed in Ogbia’s sons and daughters through key national appointments, which he said had rekindled hope and reinforced faith in his administration.
“We have come, first and foremost, to express our sincere gratitude for your inclusive leadership and the trust you have placed in our sons and daughters through your recent appointments and re-elections to key national positions,” he said.
Ogbia leaders highlighted the performance of the NDDC under the leadership of Dr. Ogbuku, noting that since his appointment on August 29, 2023, communities across Ogbia Kingdom and the entire Niger Delta had witnessed “unprecedented human capital and infrastructure development.”
“Suffice it to say that virtually all communities in Ogbia Kingdom and the Niger Delta now enjoy solar lights at night, which has significantly illuminated the Niger Delta and boosted economic activities,” the delegation said, adding that the interventions had “greatly curbed insecurity in the Kingdom and the entire region.”
They cited road construction, green projects, improved health facilities and youth empowerment programs such as Project HOPE in technology, agriculture, arts and green energy as part of the NDDC’s achievements, and described President Tinubu’s selection of Dr Ogbuku as “not out of character”.
“His appointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku sends a clear message of his confidence in indigenous leadership and reinforces the confidence of the people of the Niger Delta in his Agenda of Renewed Hope.”
The delegation concluded by assuring President Tinubu of their “unconditional loyalty and support”, inviting him to visit Ogbia Kingdom and praying for wisdom and strength as he leads the country.
“May Almighty God continue to grant you wisdom, strength and good health as you direct the affairs of our great nation,” the delegation said.
Responding, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would work closely with Niger Delta indigenes serving in government, particularly the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to deepen development efforts in the region.
“We cannot excuse the abandonment of the past, but living in the past will do us no good except to take it and follow it now, carefully,” Tinubu said.