NDDC Boss, Professor Pondei, Will Not Appear Before Probe Panel Anymore – Gbajabiamila
Following the drama that ensued the investigation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the House of Reps committee yesterday, Professor Pondei will not appear before the committee any more.
Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, said the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, will no longer appear before the House of Representatives panel probing him and the agency’s Interim Management Committee (IMC).
Speaking after Professor Pondei was taken to a hospital after he fainted at the probe venue, Gbajabiamila directed the panel to use documents he already tendered to the panel to reach its conclusion.
Recall that Professor Pondei, collapsed while he was being grilled by the panel over allegations bordering on financial recklessness.
The Speaker wished Pondei quick recovery and apologised over the poor condition of the hearing room which was stuffy.
Gbajabiamila said:
“We wish him well. I have been here barely five minutes and I am already sweating profusely. So, I do understand and apologise to everybody here for the poorly conducive atmosphere. I want to say at this point and make it clear, that it is not an adversarial hearing. It is not even inquisitorial.
“It is a fact-finding mission for the people of Nigeria. Just to make things better and we should handle this as such. No one is under an inquisition. The fact must come out and that is why the committee is doing what it is doing.
“Because of these conditions in this hall, we don’t need to hear further from the acting MD because he has already submitted his written report. I think you can use the documents to do the work that needs to be done.
“Starting from the minister, Dr. Cairo Ojougbo and all the executive directors – we are sorry under the conditions which you have been invited and my members are under the same conditions. We wish Mr Pondei all the best.”
Commending Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, chairman of the probe panel, for recusing himself from the investigation, Gbajabiamila said:
“I want to commend the chairman of the committee who this morning recused himself from being part of the proceedings. It shows the level of integrity of himself and by extension his committee and further extension to the House of Representatives. I believe he has set the stage for a fair hearing.”
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