A former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Wilson Dauyegha, has condemned what he described as a smear campaign linking the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to an alleged coup and the purported impeachment plan against the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Dauyegha accused certain political actors of orchestrating a “web of deceit, blackmail, and conspiracy” in a bid to destabilise the Bayelsa political landscape and undermine key figures aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration
Dauyegha described those behind the reports as “spin doctors and power merchants” bent on discrediting influential politicians who enjoy public support and presidential confidence.
“These individuals are desperate to control the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in Bayelsa and are now fabricating stories to weaken their perceived opponents
“Dr. Ogbuku has become a target simply because of his rising profile and his impressive record at the NDDC, ” he said.
The former lawmaker cautioned President Tinubu against paying attention to what he called “manufactured intelligence reports” designed to malign loyal party members.
Drawing parallels with past political events, Dauyegha alleged that the same “group of political opportunists” once conspired against the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, whose impeachment, he claimed, was similarly engineered by blackmail and betrayal.
“History is repeating itself. These same characters who deceived Bayelsans years ago are at it again, spinning lies and manipulating leaders for their selfish gains, ” he said.
The former legislator also faulted the alleged move to remove Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo, saying the plan stemmed from internal party disagreements and personal vendettas following Governor Douye Diri’s reported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He noted that an Abuja High Court had already issued an interim order restraining the state assembly from proceeding with the impeachment, urging Governor Diri to respect the rule of law and distance himself from the schemers.
“Governor Diri should beware of those urging him to disregard the court and proceed with the impeachment.
”They are the same people deceiving him today as they once deceived others before him.”
Dauyegha appealed to Governor Diri to maintain loyalty to his political mentor, former Governor Seriake Dickson, and to preserve harmony in the state’s leadership.
“The Deputy Governor has committed no offense deserving of impeachment.
“He has remained faithful to the prosperity agenda of the state and should be allowed to serve out his tenure, ” he said.
While defending the NDDC boss, Dauyegha described Dr. Ogbuku as a “workaholic administrator” committed to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Those trying to portray him as disloyal to the presidency are simply jealous of his achievements.
“Dr. Ogbuku has redefined youth empowerment and community development in the Niger Delta; he has no reason to conspire against the President or anyone else,” he said.
Dauyegha urged the Presidency to disregard the allegations, warning that such divisive tactics could undermine unity in the Niger Delta.
“These blackmailers are recycling the same destructive methods that once brought shame to the region.
“If we allow them to continue, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. Bayelsans must reject this politics of deceit and conspiracy,” he said.
