[dropcap] S[/dropcap]enator Peter Nwaoboshi,Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, has challenged the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the acting Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Cairo Ojougboh to show evidence that he is one of the lawmakers in the national assembly that received contracts from the commission.
Dr Ojougboh last Friday at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien during a courtesy call on the monarch prior to the launch of an N450million police equipment fund sponsored by the NDDC, had fingered the lawmaker among others as contract beneficiaries of the commission.
Senator Nwaoboshi in a statement on Monday,He stated that Dr Cairo Ojougboh has constantly churned out several lies in an attempt to ridicule and undermine the probe by the National Assembly into the financial activities of the Interim Management Committee, IMC.
“The 53 contracts allegedly listed to have been executed by me were awarded to different companies and we believe these companies must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a federal parastatal charged with the responsibility of overseeing the existence of corporate entities in Nigeria.”
“Since my election into the Nigerian Senate as the Senator representing the good people of Delta North.
, I have never executed any contract on for or on behalf of the NDDC.”
“NDDC never awarded any contract to any company owned by me. Those who are alleging to defame me must be aware of the consequences.
“In the interest of the gullible innocent public, the authors led by the said Dr Cairo Ojougboh or any other person should provide among other things detailed description of the said jobs, names of companies, payments already made and to whom as well as the directors of the company as they appear in the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC.”
Meanwhile the Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network of Nigeria, have applauded and commended the senate over its position on the Interim Management Committee, IMC of the NDDC.
The Grassroots Publishers in a statement by their image Maker, Comrade Ike Abiagom said: “The Grassroots Publishers are in full support of the call for the dissolution of the IMC by the Senate and sack of the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“It is so unfortunate, painful and disheartening that our leaders who know the challenges faced by the Niger Delta people are the same persons enmeshed in moves geared towards siphoning the commission dry.
“While we are in full support of the forensic audit, as a matter of urgency, President Muhammadu Buhari should immediately inaugurate the already screened NDDC board while the forensic audit is going on.
“We also call on Mr President to remove the NDDC board from the supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and be taken to back to the presidency.”