…as National Assembly decides on alleged corruption at commission
Both chambers of the National Assembly are set to pass their verdict on the alleged corruption and financial malfeasance by the Interim Management Commission of the Niger Delta Development Commission today.
First News learnt that the House of Representatives Committee probing the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, may submit its report on Thursday (today).
On Monday, the House Committee had adjourned its investigative hearing indefinitely, while the National Assembly is scheduled to embark on a two-month annual recess on Thursday (today).
The House Committee adjourned shortly after the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Daniel Pondei, fainted during grilling by the panel, and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, engaged the lawmakers in a shouting match, accusing members of the National Assembly of getting most of the contracts awarded by the commission.
At the plenary on Tuesday, the House denied the allegation with Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Akpabio to expose lawmakers who took contracts from NDDC or face “the full wrath of the law.”
The lawmakers’ ultimatum to Akpabio expires on Thursday (today), when the House would hold its last sitting for the legislative year.
First News gathered from a lawmaker, who pleaded anonymity, that the panel on NDDC would submit its report on before adjournment today.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Benjamin Kalu, confirmed the plan by the committee to submit its report, saying it was already been prepared.
It was also confirmed that the Senate will today receive the report of its ad hoc committee probing the NDDC.