Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, has vowed to quit his position if the ongoing Ad-hoc Committee probe proves any financial malfeasance against him.
He was speaking on oath on the second day of the Senate Committee’s public investigative hearing on Friday in Abuja, while also reacting to the submission by some stakeholders who alleged that the NDDC boss was involved in contract splitting, and kick backs of 20 – 30 percent.
Chairman of NDDC Contractors Association, Mr. Joe Adia after submitting a memo to the investigative panel had also in his oral submission explained that Contractors who agreed to part with 20-30% were those that got paid.
According to him, he has evidences to show to the Committee, noting that he was happy seeing the NDDC boss, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei listening to him.
When asked by Senator Chukwuka Utazi, representing Enugu North Senatorial district and a member of the Committee, if he could substantiate, Adia said he wouldn’t do that openly to avoid intimidation and victimization of the affected contractors, but promised to make them available at a closed door session.
The Association Chairman challenged the panel to call for NDDC boss’ bank account and compare figures with what he earns officially.
“Distinguished members of the Committee, I challenge you to order for the MD’s bank account to confirm what I am saying.”
“The IMC would ask for 20 or 30% depending on the contract sum and while some of my members would decline, if they agree, and also with Bank charges, nothing will be left.”
In his reaction, Pondei dismissed the allegations before the Senate Committee, saying: “If anyone has any evidence that I collected even one percent from any contractor, let him present it and I will resign instantly.
“We need to be very careful in making spurious allegations that distract the NDDC,” he maintained.
