By: Felix Ikpotor
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has revealed that it will hold an investigative hearing to unravel allegations of corruption and racketeering concerning the commission soon.
To this end, the commission has set up a six-man committee headed by Director, Special Duties, Dr. Princewill Ekanem, to carry out the investigation.
Speaking at a meeting of the management committee of the commission in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director/CEO, Nsima Ekere, declared that “it was imperative and urgent for the commission to find out what was true and what was not true about the allegations, in order to immediately tackle them.”
While expressing displeasure at “all the stories of corruption surrounding the commission”, Ekere said it was time to clean up the interventionist agency, in order to position it to effectively and efficiently facilitate sustainable regional development.
“We cannot allow these stories and allegations to keep making the rounds,” he stated, adding: “We cannot continue to act as though these allegations are not important enough to be investigated. We cannot continue to act as though they do not affect us.
“The new governing board and management are determined to restructure our balance sheet, restore our core mandate, reform all our governance processes and project implementation protocols, and are determined to do what is right and proper, at all times, to give this great region the commission it deserves.
“So we are going to set up this committee, to hold an investigative hearing where these contractors and individuals who have evidence of corruption will come and present them. The committee will work with interest groups like the civil society and the media to ensure that its work passes the test of time and inquiry.”
While inaugurating the Ekanem-led committee, he urged it to “work, without distraction, and submit its report within two weeks.
He noted that, “The federal government is determined to change the way government business is conducted,” adding: “because we have a lot to do to fulfill the expectations and hopes of the people.”
