July 20, 2020
Press Statement
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the dramatic collapse of acting
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Daniel Pondei, while being grilled by the House of Representatives,
further underscores the weight of corruption that have bedeviled the All
Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The PDP said it was obvious that the embattled NDDC acting Managing
Director collapsed under the weight and shame of overwhelming collective
guilt brought on him by the exposure of massive corruption being
perpetrated by NDDC officials and APC leaders.
It is revealing that Pondei could go no further in the face of scathing
revelations of direct pillaging of resources meant for the development
and welfare of the Niger Delta people, in an unbridled corruption
racket, in which the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio,
also stands accused.
It is rather curious that Prof. Pondei slumped after lawmakers demanded
that he offers explanations on the contentious payment of billions of
naira, alleged unbudgeted sums, to certain companies by the NDDC.
This is particularly as Nigerians recall that the embattled NDDC boss
had, last week, stalled proceedings by challenging the legislators and
walking out on the House of Representatives investigative panel.
The situation in the NDDC is just a tip of the iceberg on the humongous
corruption, looting spree and concealments going on in ministries,
department and agencies of government being perpetrated by APC leaders
and their cronies.
Our party restates our submission to President Muhammadu Buhari to
immediately suspend the Minister of Niger Delta Affair, Akpabio, as well
as disband the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC), if he indeed
desires the coordinated probe he ordered to yield any credible results.
The party urged President Buhari to note that the people of the Niger
Delta region, who are being deprived of their welfare, are following the
development with keen interest.
Moreover, the entire nation and indeed the global community are watching
the handling of the NDDC as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) fraud saga by the Buhari administration.
They are watching the unfolding drama, the rigmarole and veneers of
concealments by corrupt officials and APC leaders.
Mr. President must note that the malevolent odour of corruption oozing
out of his administration are too odious to be swept under the carpets.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
