The Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, and publisher of Integrity Watchdog Magazine, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has dismissed as false and mischievous the report alleging that the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was arrested over an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Kpokpogri, in a statement issued to journalists, described the claim as “fake news, speculative, and the handiwork of fifth columnists” bent on tarnishing reputations and sowing confusion in the polity.
He urged members of the public to disregard the publication, noting that it was unfortunate that some Nigerians have continued to spread unverified information without fact-checking or verifying sources.
“When has being invited for questioning become equivalent to being arrested in a sane society?” Kpokpogri queried.
“When did it become a crime to respond to inquiries as a friend of someone under investigation? People must stop twisting professional security procedures into scandalous headlines.”
The rights activist further wondered why some individuals appear threatened by Ogbuku’s rising political profile ahead of the next Bayelsa State governorship election, even when the NDDC boss has not declared any political ambition.
Kpokpogri emphasized that Ogbuku’s close relationship with former Petroleum Minister, Chief Timipre Sylva, does not implicate him in any alleged coup plot for which Sylva has been reportedly mentioned.
According to him, it is within the rights of security agencies to question friends and associates of any person under investigation, but such engagement should not be misinterpreted as an arrest or implication.
“Let it be clear that I am not speaking as a media aide or associate of Dr. Ogbuku,” Kpokpogri clarified.
“I speak as a concerned citizen who detests the growing trend of misinformation and deliberate character assassination.
“It is unfortunate that some people would exploit a national issue to malign one of the most patriotic Nigerians and, indeed, one of the most effective administrators the NDDC has ever had.”
He described Dr. Ogbuku as “a transformational leader whose tenure has brought inclusiveness, transparency, and developmental impact to the Niger Delta region.”
“Without exaggeration, Ogbuku’s leadership has redefined the NDDC,” he continued. “He has ensured equitable distribution of contracts and opportunities, avoided favoritism, and demonstrated integrity and efficiency in governance.
“Nobody should attempt to drag his name into controversies stemming from unrelated allegations against others.”
Commenting on reports linking the sum of ₦45 billion allegedly traced to Timipre Sylva’s account, Kpokpogri said the issue has been misrepresented.
> “If the payment to Sylva was as reported by Punch Newspapers, then the NDDC Management Board must have acted in good faith, unaware of any ulterior motive.
Sylva, to my understanding, is a registered contractor with the NDDC, handling a shoreline protection project,” he said.
He added that the NDDC operates as a collective management body, not a one-man show, stressing that no single individual controls its finances or decisions.
“Whatever anyone does with their payment remains their personal responsibility,” Kpokpogri concluded.
“The attempt to use this narrative to malign Ogbuku or destabilize the NDDC is baseless and should be ignored.”
