Acting NDDC MD, Pondei Storms Out of Reps Meeting

Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, acting Managing Director of Interim Management Committee (IMC) the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.

Pondei who walked out with his team on Thursday stated that they were not prepared to make any presentation before the House of Reps Committee.

The acting NDDC boss had kicked against the Chairman of the Committee, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presiding over the investigative hearing.

According to Pondei, Tunji-Ojo had been fingered in the alleged fraud at the NDDC cannot preside over a matter in which he is an accused.

“We in the NDDC is not comfortable with the Chairman of this committee, presiding over a matter.

“He is an accused party, the NDDC has over time accused Rep. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo of different crimes against the NDDC and he has responded in the press.

“He is an interested party and we do not believe that the NDDC can have justice because he cannot seat on his own case.

“We have no issue of appearing, we appeared before the Senate ad hoc committee and as long as he remains, we will not make any presentation,” he said.

While other members of the Committee, including Benjamin Kali, Ben Ibakpa and Shehu Koko, were still making contributions on the issue, Pondei asked to be excused and walked out before the committee could grant or reject his request.

Members of the committee, who were visibly furious with the NDDC MD, ordered a warrant of arrest is issued against him.

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has reportedly moved the former NDDC caretaker boss, Joy Nunieh, out of her residence.

The governor had moved the NDDC MD to the Rivers State government house.

Naija News had reported that the Nigeria police on Thursday invaded the residence of former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Mrs Nunieh was due to appear before a Senate panel in Abuja investigating the activities of the agency.