NDDC: SERAP Faults NASS Probe, Urges Buhari To Suspend Akpabio, Others
The Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has faulted the panel constituted by the National Assembly in the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alleging controversy by the handlers.
SERAP also urged the president to suspend all those named in the matter, including former Governor Godswill Akpabio, so as to pave way for thorough investigation.
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“We’ve asked President Buhari to set up a special panel to probe grave corruption allegations in @NDDCOnline such as illegal spending of N81.5bn on travels, ‘condolences’, consultancy, etc, between Jan. and July 2020 and to suspend Mr Godswill Akpabio and all those implicated,” SERAP tweeted.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Kalu, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, had on Saturday, told TVC news, that nobody was indicted yet in the NDDC probe.
He also assured that the House would get to the root of the matter.
“We have not indicted anybody, we are gathering facts.
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“And I’m sure that at the end of the day, we will have a direction of what has happened to the money that belongs to the Niger Delta region,” he said.
But according to SERAP: “These are extremely serious allegations; Nigerians who want to see development in the Niger Delta expect that those who run the NDDC should be free of corruption, and should enjoy no impunity.”
SERAP further claimed that the manner the National Assembly leadership was handling the probe was not a good one.
“The hearings by @nassnigeria have been controversial and have reportedly turned into a ‘dirty fight’ between the NDDC and @nassnigeria
“Any perception of politicisation and bias would undermine public trust in the process and ultimately the public interest and justice for the victims,” SERAP tweeted on Sunday.
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The NDDC is a federal government agency founded in year 2000, with the goal of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
