THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied reports that it diverted funds meant for development of its areas of jurisdiction to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the September 11 governorship election Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The interventionist agency’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, August 12, that the claims were fabrications by mischief makers, adding: “NDDC is aware of online reports claiming it is diverting contractors’ funds to finance APC’s campaign in Edo.
“We are constrained to respond to this false story on imaginary diversion of NDDC funds originating from an undisclosed source.”
Thompson-Wakama explained that NDDC does not finance political parties or candidates at any government level, focusing instead on accelerating development in the Niger Delta, noting: “The NDDC Board and management is now more than ever determined to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people.
“We urge the public to disregard the false reports being spread by mischief-makers to undermine the commission’s various innovations.”
She stated that the Commission was now accountable and operates with greater transparency, having recently engaged the prominent audit and accounting firm, KPMG, to enhance its governance and internal processes, a partnership she said is aimed to foster a culture of ethics and good corporate governance within the agency.
“We are committed to working with stakeholders to drive President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and fulfil our mandate in the Niger Delta.
“NDDC is also working with regional state governments and development partners to create a stable, prosperous, ecological regenerative and peaceful region,” she stated.
