CSOs drags NDDC IMC to EFCC, warns against Fire outbreak at Commission’s office
A coalition of Civil Society groups have conlcuded plans to drag the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, over what it termed the ongoing monumental corruption, currently taking place at the Commission. The group which includes the Centre for Change, Centre for Public Accountability and others said it has become necessary, to demand for a thorough investigation of the commission’s activities, under the Interim Management Committee, whose activities it says has become counterproductive and may totally make it impossible for the Commission to futher deliver on its mandate, across the Niger Delta region.
In a statement signed on behalf of the groups by Comrade Atani John and Olufemi Lawson the coalition want the EFCC, to probe series of “frivolous” contracts being awarded to phony companies, among which it says were, the reported Lassa fever equipment contract, in which over N4 billion naira was alleged to have been misappropriated. Also is the fraudulent award of a N4.5 billion contract to a company belonging to a relative of the Minister of Niger Delta, Mr Godswill Akpabio. The coalition also accused the IMC of NDDC of already paying the company over one billion Naira, in clear violation of the due process and operational guidelines of the NDDC.
The group also said it is aware of plans, by some desperate officials of the commission, to conceal evidences that will aid a thorough investigation of the NDDC’s activities and part of steps being consider includes setting fire on some offices housing vital information and documents, regarding contract awards by the NDDC.
It urged security agencies to place special surveillance on the NDDC headquarters and offices, in order to avert the evil plan.
The group also said it is engaging stakeholders and relevant authorities in the niger Delta, to join the call, as this remains the only way, towards ensuring the survival of the agency, which has now been turned to a cash cow, for some greedy and self serving politicians.