Niger Delta Minister Akpabio Writes Reps And Denies Saying They Took Contracts From NDDC.

The Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, July 23, denied accusing members of the National Assembly of collecting 60 percent of the contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This was contained in a letter read on the floor of the House of Representatives; during plenary by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

1st News reports that Akpabio explained that the only inference he made regarding the alleged accusation; was in response to a question by a member of the committee.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State explained in the letter; that the member had sought to know whether a Medical Director can serve as an Executive Director, Project.

According to him, his response was that since 50 to 60 percent of NDDC contracts were medical-related; there was nothing wrong with a Medical Director serving in that capacity.

1st News had earlier reported that the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 23, instituted legal action against the minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, over his failure to name the contractors among them.
Akpabio claimed that a greater percentage of contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission was awarded to lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamiala, meanwhile, had given Akpabio 48 hours to publicly name such lawmakers.

Speaking on the floor of the house on Thursday; Gbajabiamila also said he will not allow anyone to “assassinate the character of the house.”

At the expiration of the ultimatum on Thursday; the speaker stated that since Akpabio could not publish the names; the House has resolved to drag him to court for defamation of character.

He also added that the minister clearly made the statement to gaslight the nation; from the mal-administration as well as malfeasance in the NDDC.

Gbajabiamila stated; “Last Tuesday I issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; to substantiate his allegation that over 60% (sixty per cent) of contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) went to members of the National Assembly.”

I said then that the Honourable Minister owed it to himself and the country to provide evidence; to support these serious allegations. The Honourable Minister has failed to respond to my request.”from 1st news.