CSOs petition Presidency on implementation of NDDC forensic report recommendations

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Rivers Anti-Corruption Network (A-CORN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to accelerate the implementation of the recommendations of the Forensic audit report on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The CSOs’ clarion call was contained in a 3-page letter dated 16th September, 2021 sent to President Muhammdu Buhari who frowned at the report on over N6 trillion worth of contract sums grossly mismanaged, misappropriated, stolen, looted from the NDDC funds from the period of its existence by state actors placed to manage the agency in public trust.

“First we want to commend your resilience in ensuring that the Niger Delta Development Commission is brought under your scrutiny by authorizing the forensic audit exercise.

However, as concerned citizens, we present this petition in line with the anti-corruption laws and policies of the government of the Federation and for the protection of public interest in financial management and political accountability by state actors.

Consequently our attention has been drawn to the just concluded investigation and forensic audit of contract awards and finances of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)  for the past twenty years which has made very startling revelations on the monumental corruption, profligate waste and financial impropriety going on in the agency  which has attracted media attention but also public condemnation.

As concerned and responsible citizens of this great country we are dismayed by these wanton acts of financial recklessness, abuse of legal procedures in the award of contracts, lack of accountability and betrayal of public trust as exposed by the report.

“It is shocking to say the least if not criminal at worst to learn from the report as widely circulated in the media that over N6 trillion worth of contract sums have been grossly mismanaged, misappropriated, stolen, looted from the NDDC funds from the period of its existence by state actors placed to manage the agency in public trust.

This ugly development has giving rise to about thirteen (13) thousand projects abandoned in the Niger Delta Region by contractors and the agency at the detriment of Nigerians especially the Niger Delta people. This is completely unacceptable to us and no responsible government and citizens can allow this travesty to go unpunished and here lies the crux of our petition and demands as stated thus: That you authorize the immediate publish or release of the forensic audit report to the public show that the government is transparent and for citizens to follow the development around the forensic audit.

“To immediately publish details (Name of project, location, amount released etc.) of the abandoned thirteen (13) thousand projects in the region as mentioned by the minister of Niger Delta Ministry and as stated in the audit report.

“That the list and names of all the contractors involved in the contract scam, failed and abandoned contracts should be published with all such companies involved unveiled with full list of directors, shareholders and management.

“The government should commence the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of all contractors and companies involved and indicted in the forensic report and audit of the NDDC.”

The COSs also urged Mr. President to take immediate steps to “implement fully the recommendations of the audit reports. The government should initiate the immediate prosecution of all persons involved in the waste, mismanagement and looting of the over N6 trillion mentioned in the report.

“The government should proceed without delay to arrest and prosecute all management and staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission involved in contracts scam and racketeering. We condemn corruption in all its forms and identify with the various anti-corruption policies of your administration.

“We urge the government to expedite actions in line with the above demands if the anti-corruption stance of the present government will not be a song of all times. This line of action will serve as deterrence to others and will help position our public offices for efficiency and effectiveness. We have absolute confidence that you administration will leave no stone unturned in sanitizing the NDDC and position it for effective service delivery to better the lot of the people of the Niger Delta,” the petition read.

The petition was signed by: Emmanuel Acha – Youth Forum for Social Change (YESOC); Dandyson Harry – Centre for Human Rights, Health, Harmony and Livelihood (CHHELD); Ambassador Okoduwa Sylvester – Connecting Peace Initiative; Emmanuel Sampson Jaja – Relief International Africa; Arochukwu Paul Ogbonna – Civil Rights Council Nigeria; Emmanuel Ekpo – Global Pan-Africanism Network; Basil Nkpordi – Civil rights Council Bori; and     Walter Akonye – Civil Right Council Borikiri. 

Others include: Friday Nbani – Lekeh Development Foundation; Dandy Mgbenwa – Niger Development Initiative; Kelechi Uzoma – Gender and Development Action (GADA); Sebastia Kpalap – Citizens Voice Initiative; Lawrence Bari – Citizens Trust; Pius Dukor – Pius Dukor Foundation; Atiemie West – OKPO Youth Association; Gift Eruba – Bonny Island Youth Association; Dawaba Present – Oguru-Ama Women Association; Asiebu Apatovie – Okarki Youth Federation; Rita Kigbara – Women in Development Support Network; Joy Nwoke-Abia – Green Generation; Mina Johnbull – MIJO Foundation; Uche Nwoke Abia – Change Agents Initiatives; Ibinabo Frank – Elites Foundation and Tamunosaki Harry – BUILDERS Initiative.

 

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