Many contractors have returned to site over NDDC forensic audit as EFCC investigates unexecuted projects

Acting Executive Director, Projects in the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Cairo Ojougboh, has said many contractors had returned to the site for fear of the forensic audit of the commission.

Hosting a delegation of youth leaders from Rivers State who paid him a courtesy visit at the interventionist agency’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ojougboh lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for not “making demands on the NDDC, unlike his predecessors,” adding that he ordered the audit from the point of strength.

“The way the forensic audit is structured, a lot of people are afraid. The IMC has made it clear that no payment would be made unless it is verified. That is why we are inspecting projects and contractors have been returning to project sites, “ the NDDC official said.

He commended the president for his interest in Ogoniland, especially his approval of funds for the remediation of the polluted settlement.

Ojougboh regretted that past administration never mustered the political will to address the issue.

Ojougboh used the occasion to tackle those querying his appointment, insisting that he was eminently qualified to hold the position as a medical doctor and someone with vast experience in petroleum technology and engineering.

“The NDDC has built health facilities across the nine Niger Delta states. Who is better positioned than a medical doctor to address the issues of infections and environmental pollution in the region? Those questioning my qualification for the position of Executive Director, Projects (EDP) should know that I am a qualified medical doctor and the NDDC Act specified that persons with relevant qualifications should occupy that position,” he asserted.

The EDP contended that as someone from Ika South Local Council of Delta State – a major oil-producing area faced with gas flaring – he got the job on merit.

“Gas flaring in my community is the worst in the country. On what basis can anyone claim that I am not qualified to be the EDP? What is their grouse if not the quality of work and services we are delivering?” Ojougboh stated.

In his remarks, the president of Ikwerre Youth Council, Edward Odum, assured the Delta indigene of their continued support for the IMC.

He gave the assurance that the youths under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationality Youth Council would not constitute any impediment to the activities of the NDDC.

“We have come in solidarity with the IMC. We are going to get the youths to understand the programmes of the commission. We are going to work with the EDP because he drives the process of project management,” Odum added.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed receipt of petitions regarding mobilised but yet unexecuted projects of the agency.

Head of the Port Harcourt zonal office of the anti-graft body, Usman Iman, stated yesterday that based on the petitions, his organisation had begun investigation of the agency for the region to feel the positive impact of releases to the commission.

“We are looking into the activities of the NDDC. We have received petitions on projects that have been paid for but not executed. We are going to look into these petitions to ensure that the people get value for monies released to the NDDC and, that those who steal from the agency, are dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

Iman explained that the whistle blower policy of the Federal Government was still in force, urging citizens to give useful information about corrupt activities to the EFCC for action.