The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta says it has suspended hearing on the expenditures and inner workings of the commission ‘indefinitely’.
The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the chairman of its Interim Management Committee (IMC), Prof Keme Pondei, had slumped during questioning by the committee on Monday and had to be rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
In the wake of his condition, the committee has suspended hearing on the matter and will continue indefinitely, Quick News Africa has learnt.
In another development on Tuesday morning, the Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has directed the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godswill Akpabio to publish the names of lawmakers taking contracts from the NDDC within 48 hours or risk the full wrath of the House.
Gbajabiamila directed the clerk of the National Assembly to send a communication to the minister today. The directive followed the adoption of a point of privilege.
He also declared that the Committee on NDDC can summon the ‘slumped’ Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Keme Pondei if it wishes so.
“I am giving the Minister 24 to 48 hours to publish the names, the contracts, the companies, dates, amounts and the projects. I am directing the clerk to do so.
Failing which, this house will bring the full wrath of the house on him. It is important that we set this record straight. The Minister owes it to himself, to the committee, to people of Niger Delta and the country to publish it. I will reserve my judgement. The minister came there to play games, but we do not play games here.”
