The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore a call for the sack of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) boss, Samuel Ogbuku.

MOSIEND condemned the call and accused the Niger Delta Elders for Good Governance and Accountability as the brains behind it.

MOSIEND dismissed the statement signed by Donald Ewere calling for Mr Ogbuku’s sack as “baseless falsehood and fabrication.“

MOSIEND’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by its mational president, Kennedy Tonjo-West.

The group said the call was not in tune with the yearnings of Niger Deltans.

“It is sad that this is coming at a time when the region is very peaceful and all the stakeholders are fully supporting Dr Samuel Ogbuku and calling for his revalidation as the substantive managing director of NDDC. Ogbuku is very committed to bringing the vision of President Bola Tinubu concerning the region to fruition, and has got the confidence of the people.

“This is someone who has listening ears and consults widely before he does anything, and for the first time, Niger Delta people are gathering behind Ogbuku to continue irrespective of tribe,“ said MOSIEND in the statement.

The group said it was not true Senate President Godswill Akpabio Is against Ogbuku.

“Akpabio knows the level of support Ogbuku is galvanising for him and The Presidency, as he is holding the region firmly for Mr President. Ogbuku is a very important asset to both Akpabio, the SGF, the Chief of Staff to the President and Mr. President himself and we know that there cannot be any in-fighting,“ MOSIEND noted.

It mentioned that Mr Ogbuku knew the Niger Delta issues like the back of his hand being part of the struggle for better life in the region. MOSIEND also said Mr Ogbuku served creditably in the Ijaw Youth Council.

“We are vouching for him, let the president revalidate him and if he doesn’t surpass their expectations, then it is our fault,“ added the statement.

MOSIEND said replacing Mr Ogbuku would not be a wise decision because he shows capacity to continue serving as NDDC chief.

(NAN)