…..Says Commission Not For Corrupt Politicians, Looters
Anti corruption crusader and chairman, Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum (ACIF), Prince Kpokpogri has warned the acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, against paying contractors for abandoned, non-executed and shoddily completed projects in the region.
Kpokpogri in a statement issued in Abuja, obtained by HardReporters, called for due diligence from the two newly inaugurated committees for contract documentation and project assessment, to ensure thorough verification and inspection of all awarded projects in the Niger Delta Region.
Kpokpogri who is the Publisher of the Integrity Watchdog Magazine, expressed shock and dissatisfaction over the findings of the verification exercise instituted as a prelude to the forensic audit on orders of President Muhammadu Buhari, where it was discovered that some award letters were found to be fake; some of the companies were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while some firms were registered after they had been given contracts.
The anti corruption crusader is pushing for the authentication of all the documents submitted by contractors and consultants, stressing that the newly inaugurated committees should visit the various sites to verify contractors’ claims.
According to him, considering the trillions of Naira pumped into the Niger Delta region, it was disheartening that the development pace of the region was still insignificant.
Okpokpogri however called on the commission’s MD, as a matter of importance, engage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and partner all relevant anti-corruption agencies, organizations and persons in the fight to liberate and reposition the Niger Delta region for the desired development.
“Unions of Community Development Committees in the Niger Delta, should rise to focus and monitor projects sited in their locality. Nobody should be distracted by politicians and looters whose children are schooling and luxuriating overseas at the expense of our commonwealth. Every kobo must be accounted for. No contractor should ask for one kobo payment if they don’t complete their projects. We must protect our region.
“The NDDC has become a conduit pipe for contractors and cabals. The north is fast developing owing to their dedication to the policy thrust of their development commission. Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region must stand to emulate that. We must frown at duplication of projects. I commend President Muhammadu Buhari, for his position on anti-corruption.
“Governors in the South South region must stand against the pillage of their resources by corrupt elements. All Niger Deltans must rise to protect their development. We will not, as an anti-corruption forum, watch, but will employ every available avenue to prosecute contractors and Niger Delta stakeholders found wanting in this anomaly.”
Kpokpogri commended the acting MD for bringing the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), a wing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the audit process, a move he described as one in the right direction.
Kpokpogri, also applauded the National Assembly and Presidency for their commitment to the liberation struggle, even as he urged the MD, Nunieh, to be undeterred by traducers moves to tarnish her reputation through certificate forgery allegations which he described as unfounded.
Story anchored by ITEVEH EKPOKPOBE