…says such claims ridiculous
Almost one month after his sudden collapse during questioning by the House of Representatives’ committee probing the Niger Delta Development Commission, acting Managing Director, Prof Keme Pondei, has broken his silence, dismissing claims that he deliberately passed out during the panel’s grilling as ridiculous.
Pondei had on July 20 collapsed while answering questions from the panel probing alleged mismanagement of N40 billion by the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC.
But Nigerians, especially on social media, had said Pondei pretended to escape being held accountable by the lawmakers.
Main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, which taunted him, had said Pondei fainted because of the weight of corruption on the current administration.
Pondei has, however, denied staging the act, saying that he does not run away from issues.
He said, “I had an unexplained, unexpected health challenge. It is ridiculous to think that people believed I was acting. I would not pray for anyone to experience what I went through. I do not run from issues. I have put all that behind me.
The NDDC acting managing director also said allegations against the NDDC were “laughable.”
Pondei said, “From N40 billion missing, the probes now became extra-budgetary spending. After accusing the IMC of embezzlement of N40 billion, nothing was substantiated. The IMC is then asked to refund monies paid for historical debts owed contractors, service providers and allowances paid to staff.
“Payment/non-payment of these contracts contributed to the face-off and the lawmakers were denying ever doing contracts associated with the NDDC.”
He admitted the non-existence of checks and balances in the regional commission, adding that “NDDC was a place for political patronage and raising war chests for elections.
“We are told that the lawmakers actually facilitated the projects to their constituencies, but also insisted on the contracts been awarded to them or their proxies.
“I am not part of any cartel. Instead, I have tried to eliminate this by reducing interaction between staff and contractors. Gratification had been going on as a routine procedure. Nepotism in processing of files and payments also exist. Before all these distractions, the IMC was working seriously on this issue of people being asked to pay percentages to staff.
“In between the probes by the NASS, we tried to present the 2019 budget performance and defend the 2020 budget. A minor typographical error was noticed and we asked for 10 minutes to amend the errors, but the presentation was stepped down. The NASS has since gone on recess.”