#NDDCProbe: Most contracts in NDDC are given to lawmakers — Akpabio

The majority of contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are given to National Assembly members, ⭐Godswill Akpabio⭐ has said.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs also maintained that only three contracts have been awarded since he came on board.

The former Senator stated that his job as the minister of Niger Delta Affairs was to supervise and not to run the NDDC, adding that the Commission is where it is today because of lack of monitoring” and supervision.

The former Akwa Ibom State Governor was speaking when he appeared before the house of representatives committee investigating the NDDC, on Monday, July 20.

He equally defended the decision for the appointment of Dr Cairo Ojougboh as acting executive director of the commission on projects.

“The greatest project today is medical – and that is COVID-19,” Akpabio said, but was immediately interjected by a female member of the committee who asked him if there was COVID-19 when Dr Ojougboh was appointed.

But Akpabio, apparently asking for permission to continue, said: “Mr Chairman, Sir, am I protected? Am I protected? Mr Chairman, am I protected? Mr Chairmnan Sir?,” he asked repeatedly.

The Committee chairman said: “You are protected.”

Akpabio said: “Thank you Mr Chairman for protecting me because my sister wants to eat me raw.”

He continued: “Sixty percent of the budget of the NDCC every year is medical. And you also have to know that malaria has killed more children in Nigeria.

“So, who would best fit the position of an executive director [projects] in the NDDC than a medical doctor who would implement the 60 percent of the budget?”

He then answered a second question explaining that the NDDC couldn’t have been closed down because of the audit.

“Who are the greatest beneficiaries? It is you people [Lawmakers].”

The Committee chiairman then said, “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

But the female committee member butted in again: “Can I ask you a question?” she said, referring to Akpabio. “What is the benefit that the national assembly is benefitting from the NDDC?”

The Minister answered: “Are you asking me the benefits of the national assembly?”

He went on: “I just told you that we have records to show that most of the contracts in NDDC are given out to members of the national assembly but you don’t know about it.

“The chairman can explain it to you. That is why you must not allow the two chairmen to approve the budget every year.”