Niger delta development commission interim chairman collapses while facing probe panel

A mild drama occurred on Monday as the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Daniel Pondei, slumped during interrogation by the House of Representatives Committee on the commission

Penpushing reports that, the incident occurred when the commission boss was asked to explain the N642 million paid to a company known as Clear Point Communication, as well as the N536 million paid to Save Life Campaign in the oil-rich region and to prove that they were all budgeted for in the 2019 Appropriation Act.

The commission boss told the probe panel that N642 million paid to Clear Point Communication to train locals and to help locate and identify the comission’s projects in the area, but could not confirm that the payments were budgeted for,

Penpushing further reports that, he, however, pleaded with the lawmakers to give him time to provide the budget, and in the process, he collapsed, sweating profusely and was rushed out of the venue of the hearing

The commission chairman, who appeared before the lawmakers, was facing probe of the finances of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC).was promptly rushed to the hospital

Penpushing also reports that, the ugly development may lead to an extension of the probe which was initially slated for two days but is currently on its fourth day,as the hearing was  thereafter adjourned for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, when the hearing resumed, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and Majority Leader Hon Alhassan Doguwa joined the committee members to continue with the sitting.