Reps issue warrant of arrest for NDDC boss, Pondei

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC have issued a warrant of arrest against NDDC boss, Professor Pondei.

This is coming after the acting Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) of the NDDC, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, walked out on them earlier today.

Professor Pondei and his team were at the House to appear before the panel investigating activities of the commission.

It can be recalled that earlier this week the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Professor Pondei, was unable to account for a shortfall of N143 billion in its 2019 budget.

Professor Pondei had led other members of the Interim Committee of the NDDC before the National Assembly Joint committee on Niger Delta Affairs to defend its 2019 expenditure and also present its 2020 budget proposal.

While defending the 2019 budget of the NDDC, Pondei told the lawmakers that Commission received N305.5 billion as revenue in 2019 and spent N122 billion, leaving a balance of N183.2 billion.

Pondei asked for time to go back and address the N143 billion discrepancy raised by the committee members.

When he appeared before the house today, Pondei said he and his team members were not prepared to make any presentation before the committee. He objected to Chairman of the Committee, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presiding over the investigative hearing, insisting he cannot preside over a matter in which he is also an accused.

While members were still making contributions on the issue, the Nation reports that Pondei sought permission to leave and walked out before the committee could grant or reject his request.

The furious lawmakers accused the Interim Management Committee of trying to frustrate legislative functions and ordered a warrant of arrest be issued against him.

The Committee members also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on its Chairman.