The Niger Delta Development Commission has refuted claims circulating on social media that it is diverting funds meant for contractors to finance the governorship campaigns of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Director of Corporate Affairs for NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, called the reports false and misleading.
“Nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Thompson-Wakama. “We are constrained to respond to this false story about an imaginary diversion of NDDC funds. The story was attributed to undisclosed sources from the rumour mill.”
Thompson-Wakama emphasized that NDDC’s primary focus is the development of the Niger Delta region. “To set the records straight, NDDC does not sponsor political parties or candidates contesting in elections at any level of government. Our mandate is to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.”
The statement also addressed the commission’s commitment to transparency and good governance. “We urge members of the public to disregard the false stories spread by mischief-makers,” Thompson-Wakama said. “We are fully aware of an increasing need to be seen to be more accountable to the public and to conduct our affairs in a more transparent manner.”
The NDDC is working with KPMG, a global business consultancy, to improve its corporate governance. “They have helped us to establish a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance,” Thompson-Wakama noted.
Additionally, NDDC has engaged with the NDDC Advisory Committee, which includes governors from the nine Niger Delta states. “We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The NDDC assured the public that it remains focused on its development goals. “We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC Board and Management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”
