“Publish Names of Lawmakers Awarded NDDC Contracts in 48 Hours,” Gbajabiamila Tells Akpabio

Hon Femi Gbajabiamilla, Speaker, House of Representatives has ordered the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to publish within 48 hours, the names of lawmakers who were awarded contracts by the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission).

The Speaker of the House of Representatives also insists that the minister must also publish the details of such contracts including dates, unveil the names of the companies and projects of the 60% contracts that were given to members of the 9th assembly.

According to him, the Assembly will employ the full weight of the law should the Minister fail to do so within the stipulated time.

The order was given on Tuesday, one day after the Godswill Akpabio claimed that majority of the NDDC contracts were awarded to lawmakers. He also said that the chairmen of the probe panel knew what he was talking about.

During an intense interrogation on Monday, Akpabio claimed that the lawmakers were “the greatest beneficiaries” of contracts.

When asked further how the lawmakers benefitted, he said that “we have records to show that most of the contracts in NDDC are given out to members of the National Assembly.”

The Speaker accused the minister of pulling the oldest trick. According to him, Akpabio owes the country the duty of making the names public in the interest of transparency.

Gbajabiamila’s order drew the standing ovation of at least half of the lawmakers at yesterday sitting.

Related story:

NDDCPROBE

…and Minister of Niger Delta Drops the Bombshell !