Senate debunks receiving N20m palliative from NDDC
The Senate has denied the allegation that some of its members received N20m COVID-19 palliative from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Spokesperson for the Senate, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, stated this on Tuesday, September 1.
Daily Times gathered that the Director of Projects, Interim Management Committee of the NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had alleged that the agency gave N20m to each senator while each of the House of Representatives member collected N15m as palliative.
However, Basiru challenged Ojougboh to either release the full list of the lawmakers who benefitted from the palliative or tender a public apology immediately.
READ ALSO: I didn’t fake fainting―Pondei finally speaks after Panel probe
The statement read in part, “The Senate views with grave concern a statement credited to Dr Cairo Ojougboh, the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC who alleged that National Assembly members received varying sums of money as COVID-19 palliative.
“The Senate hereby disclaims the allegation in its entirety.
”The Senate categorically denies that any Senator collected the sum of N20 million or any sum whatsoever from NDDC as COVID relief fund of for any purpose whatsoever.
“The Senate challenges Dr Ojougboh to publicly provide evidence of his claim and list the names of the Senators he allegedly gave the alleged sum.
“Failure to provide evidence of his claim, the Senate hereby demands an immediate retraction and a public apology from Dr Cairo Ojougboh.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced the probe of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; and the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei last month.
Daily Times gathered that EFCC suspended the probe as a result of the ill-heah of prof Pondei.
EFCC revealed that it was indeed probing the NDDC, according to a letter addressed to a group, Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, led by activist, Deji Adeyanju.
The letter read in part, “We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated August 3, 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through the O/C team six on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at EFCC headquarters third floor.”
The leadership of the NDDC is currently being probed by the National Assembly for allegedly mismanaging N80bn.”
