NDDC Probe: Arrest Akpabio, National Assembly Members – HURIWA Tells Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to order an arrest of some members of the National Assembly and as well the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The appeal was made by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, in a statement released on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

Naija News understands that the civil rights group had demanded the arrest of Akpabio and some of the Nigerian lawmakers and the Interim Management Committee, IMC, over the lingering alleged misappropriation of funds by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

HURIWA called for a judicial commission of inquiry on NDDC, Akpabio and the National Assembly members who reportedly received contracts from the commission. According to the group, the move will help recover all the looted funds by the people involved.

The statement which was signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko; and National Media Affairs Director, Miss. Zainab Yusuf noted that the allegations and counter-allegations is an indication that NDDC should be well investigated.

“The Drama at the National Assembly, which has entangled the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Senator Godswill Akpabio on all sides has many foundations which include the alleged quest for power, big money, sex and deceit,” the statement reads.

It states further that “a shocked nation, like Nigeria, is gripped by the overwhelming revelations coming out of the National Assembly Probe on NDDC has become a matter of interest to us as a foremost civil rights group with no political affiliations but are passionate about achieving just and equitable development in our country.”

“The statements and counter statements from the National Assembly probe on NDDC are beyond scandalous and shame. With these scandalous revelations, it becomes extremely worrisome the way and manner the NDDC expends monies without recourse to prioritization of projects that will impact on the people of the region. Again, the National Assembly is a major problem affecting the delivering of development in the Niger Delta region. Aside the current leadership or chairmen of NASS Committees on the NDDC, the previous ones are equally culpable in terms of negative influence on the Commission.

“We are therefore calling for the constitution of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe alleged financial malfeasance at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“President Buhari must have now realized that the contrived Interim Management Committee was sold to him with dubious and unpatriotic purpose going by the absurd revelations coming from the Committee members at the NASS probe.

“Going forward, The Interim Management Committee (IMC) should be dissolved because it has completely lost the confidence of the Nigerian people and people of the region. The appointment of lead consultant for the forensic audit should be reviewed immediately and an audit firm with pedigree engaged.”

In another news earlier, Naija News reported that the embattled acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, debunked the report that he refused to provide the necessary documentary evidence that would make the office of the Attorney General of the Federation commence the process of extraditing Mrs Alison-Maduake.