Sacked NDDC Interim Management face N6.2b probe

 

The Senate on Thursday began a fresh probe of alleged misappropriation of N6.2 billion by the dissolved Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The money was to provide palliatives to cushion the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

The investigation followed a petition by Chairman of the NDDC Palliatives Distribution Committee, Sobomabo Jackrich.

Jackrich told the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges that the IMC, led by its immediate past Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, squandered the fund.

He added that he has all the evidence to support his allegation.

The latest allegation, according to The Nation, adds to the list of other alleged misappropriated funds by the IMC which is currently being investigated by the Federal Government and at least two other committees of the Senate.

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Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Petitions, Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) said he was not aware of any distribution of palliatives by NDDC in the region.

The Committee, however, stepped down the hearing after none of the affected NDDC officials showed up.

The committee insisted Pondei and his colleagues must appear to explain how the money set aside to benefit poor indigenes of the Niger Delta was utilised.

They are expected to appear on January 26.