NDDC has become a cash cow for politicians – Wike

• Says Niger Delta Governors demanded for forensic audit due to massive rot in commission

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is now a political institution, as it has become a cash cow for politicians.

The governor further reiterated that the commission has collapsed, thereby losing its capacity to deliver development to the Niger Delta.

Wike who stated this on Wednesday, when the interim management committee of NDDC, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt, said: “those who fought for the establishment of NDDC will weep that the Commission has deviated from its mandate. NDDC has collapsed. NDDC has become a cash cow for politicians.

“NDDC is now a political institution. NDDC stole our money. There was an agreement for the Rivers State Government and NDDC to collaborate for the construction of the Mother and Child Hospital.

“NDDC refused to pay her counterpart fund. Even the N800 million paid by the Rivers State Government, the NDDC only paid N400m to the contractor and diverted N400 million.

“If they don’t pay our money, we will Institute a legal action against them to retrieve our money.”

He disclosed that it was Niger Delta Governors that demanded the forensic audit of the NDDC, because of the massive rot in the commission.

Wike said: “Niger Delta Governors asked for the forensic audit of the NDDC when we met with the President. We also asked for the setting up of the Board of Governors for NDDC.

“Despite all the funds pumped into NDDC, the commission has accumulated huge debts with no meaningful projects across the Niger Delta. The commission has also refused to patronise reputable contractors for projects.

“I urge the interim committee to carry out a proper audit.”

Speaking, the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Gbene Joi Nunieh, said that the Commission is determined to partner with Niger Delta Governors for the development of the region.

She urged the Rivers State Governor to forget the past failures of NDDC and partner with the commission, as she sought the assistance of the Governor in the areas of health and education.

She revealed that some cottage hospitals completed by the NDDC, have been illegally occupied.