The immediate past Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and National Leader of the New Era Advocacy Movement, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to prioritize stability and unity over political distractions, warning that unnecessary divisions could undermine the region’s current developmental gains.
In an exclusive interview with Niger Delta Herald, Ekerefe commended the ongoing transformation at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, describing him as “a visionary leader with the right mix of activism and empathy.”
“Under Dr. Ogbuku, the NDDC is not just awarding contracts but changing lives across the region,” Ekerefe said. “You can see real progress — massive road projects, youth empowerment, and direct community impact. For the first time in years, the Commission is working with focus and unity.”
He also praised Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, for restoring purpose to the initiative.
“The peace we enjoy today is not accidental but the result of purposeful management,” he added. “The Federal Government made the right choice in appointing these leaders who understand the Niger Delta struggle.”
Ekerefe urged politicians to stop distracting the NDDC leadership.
“At this point, what the region needs is stability, not division. Dr. Ogbuku deserves full support to consolidate the gains made in infrastructure, human development, education, and health. His success is the region’s success.”
On Governor Douye Diri’s Administration
Assessing Bayelsa State’s Governor, Senator Douye Diri, after five years in office, Ekerefe said while infrastructural progress is visible, the administration has failed to meet the people’s expectations in human capital development.
“To be fair, Governor Diri has made visible progress in roads, the new stadium, the gas turbine, and security,” he noted. “However, there is growing hardship and hunger. Empowerment has been neglected, and ironically, the NDDC now provides more economic relief for Bayelsans than the state government.”
He urged the administration to focus more on economic diversification, agriculture, and small-scale enterprise development, stressing that “true prosperity is not about projects or slogans; it’s about improving people’s lives.”
Bayelsa West Politics and Dickson’s Re-election Bid
Speaking on the unfolding political contest in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Ekerefe defended Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, describing him as “a political institution and a national voice for democracy, equity, and principled leadership.”
“Senator Dickson’s re-election is not about personal ambition but continuity of purpose and preservation of the authentic Ijaw voice in national discourse,” Ekerefe said. “Those opposing him should have the courage to place their records beside his for public scrutiny.”
He called on Bayelsa West constituents, especially in Ekeremor, to “rise above distractions from self-serving politicians who have contributed little or nothing to the growth of the region.”
On Rumoured Defection of Governor Diri to the APC
Reacting to growing speculation that Governor Diri may defect from the PDP to the APC, Ekerefe described the move as “disappointing but not surprising.”
“Across the South-South, fear and self-preservation have made many governors lose conviction,” he said. “If Governor Diri defects, it will be a grave political miscalculation. The PDP gave him the platform and mandate he carries today. Leaving now would be both politically unwise and morally disappointing.”
He said such a move would be complicated if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to re-enter the 2027 race.
“A politically wise Bayelsa governor should, by now, use his tongue to count his teeth,” he cautioned.
On Jonathan’s Possible 2027 Comeback
Addressing speculations surrounding Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the 2027 presidential race, Ekerefe said no official declaration has been made but acknowledged that the former president’s return could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
“If Jonathan decides to contest, 2027 will be politically explosive,” he stated. “He remains one of Africa’s most respected democratic figures — calm, credible, and globally admired. His leadership record and national appeal would make him a formidable challenger.”
Ekerefe added that the country’s current economic hardship has made Nigerians more politically aware.
“People are realising that 2027 may be the last chance to correct the current economic misdirection. The will of the people will always outlive political scheming.”
He urged political leaders to focus on governance rather than endless permutations, insisting that “it’s not party alignments that decide elections, it’s the people.”