Statement by NDDC Acting MD, Daniel Pondei, on Alleged Plot to Scuttle Forensic Audit

Allegations have surfaced that the Senate and House of Representative Ad-hoc Committees are trying to undermine the NDDC’s forensic audit in its final report, according to Daniel Pondei, the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Pondei has declared the claims as baseless and suggested that they are part of a plan to discredit the audit by individuals involved in contract irregularities who he has previously exposed.

He criticized the Senate Committee for embracing unproven allegations in their final report, emphasizing that the names behind financial wrongdoing and contract manipulation have been disclosed, breaking the hold on the NDDC.

Pondei firmly stated that neither he nor any member of the IMC has ever sought or received any form of inducement or bribe for their duties.

In a detailed response, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC expressed shock over the Ad-Hoc committee’s acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding the progress of the NDDC headquarters and the forensic audit.

The committee also highlighted its efforts to carefully evaluate projects before approving any historical debt payment and steer the Commission towards impactful regional programs and initiatives, away from dubious projects.

The IMC mentioned that media attacks on the committee are orchestrated by those implicated in emergency contract irregularities to retaliate against the IMC for exposing their actions, but underlined its unwavering commitment to fulfill its mandate.

The IMC ensured that the forensic audit will uncover financial improprieties and that it is dedicated to serving the entire Niger Delta region, appealing for cooperation to achieve this goal.