By Shina Badmus
A group under the aegis of Niger Delta Intellectual Patriots (NDIP) has affirmed their support for the Interim Management Committee (IMC) setup by the Niger Delta Minister, Chief Godswill Akpabio, to carry out a thorough audit in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
This was contained in a press release sent to GbaramatuVoice by the group, led by Chief Ifieyeowei Aruku on Tuesday, Nov. 5, where Akpabio was described as a positive change and an agent of development.
The press release commended the setting up of an IMC to carryout a thorough audit on alleged abandoned phantom projects, ghost contractors, inflated and non existing projects, collection of 15% mobilization funds without mobilizing to site, milking the agency over the years through cronies who have vested interest in the affairs of NDDC thereby corrupting the progressive development of the Niger Delta.
The release stated that Akpabio was the only one left in Niger Delta, known for his spirited developmental stride, having the potentials to replicate in the NDDC what was done in Akwa-Ibom when he was the Governor.
It also affirmed him as the man, who will restructure and reposition the commission on clean slate for the commencement of the new incoming substantive board for effective transparent operations.
According to the statement, “Akpabio, acting on the directive of the President, should be allowed to control and supervise the affairs of the commission for optimum performance.
“Recent actions taken so far, have activated the commission not to do things with impunity. There are checks and balances in the commission now, unlike before. The unilateral decisions taken and award of frivolous contracts without due process must stop.
“The IMC and the Substantive Board have term limit and there is nothing wrong if one prepares the ground for smooth operations for the latter.
“Those calling for Akpabio to be sacked are ill-informed and are enemies of change and developmental progress of the Niger Delta. Putting the commission on a proper perspective is long over due.
“The IMC carrying out the forensic audit, will give legislators time to carryout oversight functions of the commission and enable various probe committees to submit their report.
“As coordinating Minister, Akpabio will solve the myriad of problems in NDDC especially scrutiny of completed jobs without payment, and revoking of contracts awarded to portfolio companies without competence and capacity to deal.
“Akpabio’s actions are guided by the spontaneous applause of the forensic audit ordered by the president to reposition NDDC to the envy and attractiveness of financial institutions, to invest in capital projects issued by the commission.
“Godswill Akpabio, a man of wisdom seeks and will only do what is profitable to all Niger Deltans. We, the Niger Delta Intellectual Patriots (NDIP) therefore also stand to commend the minister and Mr President for adhering to the urgent call to set up the interim board.”
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