Why Acting NDDC MD Pondei Collapsed – PDP

The acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, ‘slumped’ before a House of Reps investigative panel as a result of the weight of corruption in the commission.

Naija News had earlier reported that Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, collapsed while being grilled by the lawmakers.

Efforts from witnesses to resuscitate him were however effective when he regained consciousness shortly afterwards he later left the probe panel after feeling unwell and could not continue his defence.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio.

The statement partly read, “The Peoples Democratic Party says the dramatic collapse of while being grilled by the House of Representatives, further underscores the weight of corruption that has bedeviled the All Progressives Congress administration.

“The PDP said it was obvious that the embattled NDDC acting Managing Director collapsed under the weight and shame of overwhelming collective guilt brought on him by the exposure of massive corruption being perpetrated by NDDC officials and APC leaders.

“It is rather curious that Prof. Pondei slumped after lawmakers demanded that he offers explanations on the contentious payment of billions of naira, alleged unbudgeted sums, to certain companies by the NDDC.

“This is particularly as Nigerians recall that the embattled NDDC boss had, last week, stalled proceedings by challenging the legislators and walking out on the House of Representatives investigative panel.

“Our party restates our submission to President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately suspend the Minister of Niger Delta Affair, Akpabio, as well as disband the NDDC Interim Management Committee, if he indeed desires the coordinated probe he ordered to yield any credible results.”