Amid widespread speculation about his alleged arrest over a supposed coup plot, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was seen on Thursday participating in an official engagement with agricultural stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The meeting, which was televised, formed part of a two-day strategic session ahead of the upcoming Niger Delta Agricultural Summit. It brought together Commissioners for Agriculture, Permanent Secretaries from the nine Niger Delta states, as well as representatives from agricultural agencies and private sector partners.
Speaking at the event, Ogbuku called on stakeholders across the region to shift focus from oil dependence to agricultural development, describing it as a key driver of food security, job creation, and sustainable growth.
“The Niger Delta must look beyond oil. Agriculture holds the key to our economic transformation and long-term stability,” he said. “Through collaborative planning and targeted investments, we can unlock the vast potential of our farmlands and create sustainable livelihoods for our people.”
He further noted that the NDDC, under his leadership, has initiated programmes that promote agricultural innovation, agribusiness incubation, and youth empowerment, aimed at boosting inclusive growth across the region.
Ogbuku’s public appearance comes amid reports that he was allegedly detained by security agencies in connection with the transfer of a large sum of money to former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, who is accused of financing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Over the weekend, soldiers reportedly raided Sylva’s residence as part of ongoing investigations, though neither the military authorities nor the Federal Government has issued an official statement on the matter.
