Adebayo Samuel
The Akwa Ibom state Governor, and his counterparts in Imo and Delta states on Monday distanced themselves from claims that they were behind the order to probe the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, in order to hijack the commission.
President Muhammadu Buhari last week gave the order for a forensic probe of the NDDC to be conducted immediately, stating that such an investigation became necessary following public complaints against the interventionist agency.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Governor Emmanuel Udom, described the claim that governors from the Niger Delta states were plotting to control the agency as baseless and unfounded.
Speaking through the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, Governor Udom expressed disappointment that despite being the highest revenue contributor to the national economy, not even a kilometre of road had been constructed by the NDDC in the state.
He said, “The allegations are totally baseless and unfounded. Akwa Ibom State contributes the highest revenue to the national purse, yet there is nothing in the state in terms of federal presence.
“One cannot point to a single kilometre of road constructed by the NDDC in the state; is that fair?”
Also, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the decision to embark on a forensic probe of the interventionist agency was solely that of the Federal Government.
Okowa, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said, “It is the Federal Government’s decision; you cannot begin to say whether we are in support or not if the Federal Government wants to ask questions like it is doing in other sectors.
“If the Federal Government wants to look at those that it gave money to, it is its decision. “The most important thing is that Federal Government wants to look into their process.”
However, the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who spoke through his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Steve Osuji, pointed out that President Buhari did not need the permission of governors of the Niger Delta to direct the probe of the NDDC.
