The last has not been heard of the crisis rocking the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of diversion of public funds against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Professor Daniel Pondei, the acting Managing Director of the commission.
The duo had been accused of alleged N40 billion corruption in NDDC.
The position of the EFCC was contained in an acknowledgement letter in response to a petition it received from the Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance.
According to the petition signed by Deji Adeyanju, the convener of the foundation, the EFCC was requested the commission to investigate the allegations against the Minister and the NDDC boss respectively.
The acknowledgement signed by EFCC head, Economic Governance, Adebayo Adeniyi reads:
We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated 3rd August 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.
In view of the above you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through O/C team 6 on Thursday, August 20th at the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.
Akpabio, in a statement by Chief Press Secretary, Anietie Ekong, had declared that he was ready to face any probe set up to investigate his activities as Minister in charge of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
According to Aniete, Akpabio expressed confidence about the proposed probe of the NDDC saying he has no skeleton in his cupboard.
READ ALSO: P&ID Scam: British National, Others Face Fresh Charges
The statement partly said:
In fact, he will welcome a public hearing beamed live for all Nigerians to see
The probe of the Commission along with the ongoing forensic audit will expose those who have used their exalted positions over the years to fleece the NDDC through fully paid contracts which were never executed and other forms of contact racketeering.
While we await the probe if carried through, we find it extremely insulting for Senator Akpabio’s name to be dragged into what is obviously a smear campaign.
The general public should not be misled by spurious claims. The NDDC under the supervision of Senator Akpabio will not be distracted neither will the ongoing forensic audit of the Commission be derailed through blackmail and intimidation.
