NDDC Probe: Reps give Akpabio 48 hours to name lawmakers who got contracts

Amid the mudsling buffeting the probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, gave the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, 48 hours to name and shame the federal lawmakers he claimed got mouth watering contracts.

Akpabio had on Monday, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee probing the financial recklessness in the NDDC, alleged that most of the contracts awarded by the commission went to members of the National Assembly, claiming to have the record.

 Akpabio had said: “Just look at your chairman; I have records to show that most of the NDDC contracts were given out to the National Assembly members. The two chairmen of both committees can explain to you.”

And on Tuesday, Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the 48 hours directive while ruling on a matter of privileges moved by the Minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, during plenary.

Gbajabiamila said Akpabio should not only publish names of the benefiting lawmakers, but the companies and the contracts they have been executing.

He said:”Akpabio owes it a duty to himself, the House Committee on Niger Delta, the people of Niger Delta and Nigerians to publish the names of lawmakers who got contracts from the NDDC.”

The NDDC has recently been in the news for the wrong reasons, other than its statutory mandate of applying budgeted funds to ensure the development the Niger Delta region and its people.

Between Akpabio, the former managing director of the agency Joi Nunieh, and the incumbent, Prof David Pondei, there have been no love lust, leading to scandalous allegations and counter-allegations, all bordering on money.

The latest is between Akpabio and members of the National Assembly, in what promises to be an epic confrontation.

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