The Minister of Niger Delta affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has said that most of the contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, were being awarded to the members of the National Assembly.
The minister stated this on Monday in Abuja while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating the missing N40 billion from the NDDC.
“Who are even the greatest beneficiary of the contracts? It’s you people at the national assembly,” he said.
A female lawmaker had interrupted him saying: “Can I ask you a question? What is the benefit that the national assembly is benefiting from NDDC?”
Mr Akpabio responded: “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 two chairmen can explain to you. I was a member of the NDDC committee so I know about it.”
The minister also disclosed reasons behind sacking Dr. Joi Nunieh as the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
According to him, Ms Nunieh was sacked following a letter from the late Chief of Staff Abba Kyari which claimed that the former NDDC boss does not have an NYSC certificate.
He also cited insubordination and her refusal to attend a meeting of the Federal Executive Council to offer explanation on certain actions of the Commission, as another reason for her sacking.
He said: “She ignored the letter written to her by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry directing her to attend a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“She felt that she is bigger than the Minister because she has a bigger budget.”
