The financial activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is currently being probed by the House of Assembly. Today was the final day of the NDDC probe and as expected, shocking allegations and counter-allegations were made.
The House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta commenced investigative hearing on the mismanagement of N81.5 billion between January and July 2020 by the commission.
Here are 3 key highlights of today’s NDDC Probe
The Chairman of the probe/investigative committee stepped aside
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, representing Akoko North East/West Federal Constituency of Ondo State and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development resigned his Chairmanship position of the committee. This follows the allegations of his involvement in corrupt practices in the commission by the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. The Deputy Chairman of the NDDC committee, Thomas Ereyitomi took over proceedings.
Acting Chairman of the NDDC Fainted/Collapsed
Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei fainted/collapsed during questioning by the committee. Mr Pondei was responding to allegations of 1.5billion naira of financial misappropriation when he suddenly passed-out and couldn’t respond to questions from the chairman of the probe panel. He was quickly revived and afterward excused from the probe.
“Most of the contracts in NDDC are awarded to NASS members.”
~@Senator_Akpabio#NDDCProbe pic.twitter.com/YnxcarsGz0— TallJohn🌍 (@JohnFanimokun) July 20, 2020
Akpabio Accused NASS Members of getting 60% of NDDC Contracts
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, accused members of the National Assembly of getting 60% of Commission’s contracts.
The Niger Delta Development Commission is a federal government agency established by Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
