Nigerian lawmakers order Akpabio to identify members allegedly involved in Niger-Delta commission contracts

The leadership of the House of Representatives has ordered the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio to disclose identities of members alleged to have gotten contracts from the commission.

Penpushing reports that, Akpabio on Monday during the continuation of the investigative hearing held to probe the allegations of corruption in the commission openly alleged that contracts of the commission are given out to members of the National Assembly.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in reaction declared that the Minister should within 48 hours publish the full details of alleged lawmakers in the 9th Assembly said to be involved.

 Penpushing further reports that, the Speaker made the call to a point of order brought under matters of breach of his privileges by the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, declaring that failure to do so would leave the house with no other option than to bring the full wrath of the law on Akpabio.

. “I’ve never once collected contracts from the NDDC and I know I can speak for many other members. I hereby call on the minister to within 24-48 hours to publish the names, contracts, date and unveil the companies of the 60 per cent projects that were given to the National Assembly.The minister owes it to himself, committee, Niger Delta and the people of Nigeria to publish details of those who have been given contracts,” the speaker said.

Penpushing also reports that,Akpabio’s. allegation unsettled the hall briefly as the acting chairman of the committee, Thomas Ereyitomi, calmed some members who charged at the minister