Akpabio assures NASS of cooperation on NDDC probe

TRACKING____The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured the National Assembly of his utmost cooperation in the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Senate is probing into alleged financial recklessness to the tune of N40 billion by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC.

It had set up six-man Ad-hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into all issues relating to but not limited to the alleged misapplication and misappropriation of the sum of N40billion by the commission.

Appearing before ths Senate ad-hoc Committee on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who stood in for the Minister, regretted the absence of Akpabio due to circumstances beyond his control.

He assured the Committee the Minister hold the Panel in high repute and would appear on any other date the Committee would extend an invitation to him.

When he appeared before the Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC, Ekiti North) led Ad-hoc Committee, the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, said since the interim management came on board, it has not awarded any contract except the recent distribution of COVID-19 palliatives to people.

According Ojougboh, no kobo has been misapplied by the Committee since it came on board.

The sitting was adjourned to Friday when Senator Akpabio is expected to appear before the Committee.