NDDC N40bn: Senate Demands Written Explanation From Akpabio, CBN, Others

The Senate has demanded a written explanation from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, over his alleged involvement in the claims that N40bn belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission was misappropriated.

The directive was communicated to Akpabio by the Senate ad hoc committee probing the alleged misappropriation.

The Chairman of the ad hoc panel, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, stated this in the communication, sighted by Punch’s on Tuesday.

He also told the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, as well as the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to submit their memorandums.

Adetunmbi asked the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bureau of Public Enterprise, the NDDC Interim Management and the commission’s previous boards, among others to submit their responses in writing.

The communication also listed the nine Niger Delta governors, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, traditional rulers and contractors to submit memorandums.

He said their written submissions, which will be defended under oath at the investigative public hearing, should be submitted not later than June 8.

The Senate on May 5 asked the ad hoc panel to probe the alleged financial recklessness in the NDDC under the supervision of Akpabio as Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The communication reads in part, “The Senate at its sitting on May 5, 2020 considered a motion on the urgent need to investigate the alleged financial recklessness in the Niger Delta Development Commission and resolved among others to constitute an ad hoc committee

“The committee is expected to carry out a holistic investigation into all issues relating but not limited to the alleged misapplication and misappropriation of the sum of N40bn by the commission.

“Renew all procurement and financial transactions of the commission in this fiscal year 2020 and any other matter that is not in accordance with the provisions of NDDC Establishment Act, 2020 or any extant law.

(PUNCH)