The Speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 21 July 2020 mandated that the Minister of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sen. Godswill Akpabio publish names of members to whom 60% of NDDC contracts were awarded within 24-48 hours.
This declaration was made by the Speaker, following a matter of privilege raised by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (Delta:PDP) pursuant to Order 6 of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives. In raising his matter of privilege, he pointed that at an investigative hearing on the matters concerning NDDC that held on Monday, 20 July 2020, the Minister had stated on oath that most of the NDDC contracts were given to members of the National Assembly. He noted that the allegation cast the National Assembly in a negative light and should be looked into.
Following this, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos:APC) mandated the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a letter to the Honourable Minister requesting him to publishing within 24-48 hours to publish names of members of 9th National Assembly, contracts so given, dates and unveil the companies to which 60% of NDDC projects were awarded.
The NDDC has been under the spotlight and NASS investigation lately following allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds by ‘The Act for Positive Transformation Initiative (ACT),’ an advocacy group.
