The Senate in Nigeria on Thursday stated that the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should return over five billion naira misappropriated in the last few months.
This resolution among others followed the Senate consideration and adoption of the recommendations of its “Ad hoc Committee on the investigation of the alleged financial recklessness in the NDDC.”
Monies to be refunded include cost for overseas travel to the United Kingdom, even when there was total lockdown, in the sum of N85.7million, Scholarships Grants – N105.5million, Union Members trip to Italy – N164.2million, Lassa Fever Kit – N1.96billon, Public Communication – N1.2billion and COVID-19 Relief -N1.49billon.
Other resolution from the senate are as follows-
-the NDDC should be returned from the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for proper supervision.
-stepping down the EIMC (Executive Interim Management Committee), thereby helping them leave the stage for a properly constituted board with specific mandate to address the pains of the Niger Delta people.
– a review of the Act establishing the Commission to tackle identified inadequacies.
– the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate allegations of blackmail against members of the National Assembly by the NDDC.
– a new Board reconstituted to undertake a review of the existing governance framework, with a view to re-establishing a new culture in the organisation.
– commission’s monitoring Committee and the Advisory Councils should be inaugurated promptly.
-the President with advice from the Auditor-General should appoint a renowned, internationally recognised Forensic Auditor to carry out proper auditing exercise.