Reps Probe of NDDC Getting Messier, As Ag. MD Walks Out on House Panel

…House to issue warrant of arrest on Pondei, others

The Acting Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei and his team on Thursday walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.

Pondei pointedly told the House of Reps Committee that he and his team on the IMC were not prepared to make any presentation before the committee.

Pondei had objected to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, insisting that he (Tunji-Ojo) cannot preside over a matter in which he is also an accused.

But members of the Reps panel that included Hon. Benjamin Kali, Ben Ibakpa and Shehu Koko, made soirited attempt to explain to the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC that there was no document before the Committee to buttress his point thus he is constitutionally bound to answer their queries.

However, while the members of the panel were still making their contribution on the issue, Prof. Pondei stood up and sought the permission of the Reps committee to allow him take a leave and immediately walked out even before the committee could grant or reject his request.

Furious members of the Committee accused the Interim Management Committee of trying to frustrate legislative functions and directed that a warrant of arrest be issued against the Acting MD of the NDDC, Prof. Pondei.

The members of the Committee thereafter unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the panel.