Spending: Reps summon Akpabio, NDDC

Leke Baiyewu, Abuja

The House of Representatives has begun another investigation of the Niger Delta Development Commission over alleged illegal expenditure without appropriation.

The House also invited the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the board of the NDDC to explain the alleged unapproved spending.

At the plenary on Tuesday, a member, Mr Benjamin Kalu, moved a motion to call for an investigation of the alleged “failure and refusal” by the NDDC to submit its budget for 2019 to the National Assembly for approval.

The House also mandated the House Committee on the NDDC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities of the commission and report back within four weeks.

The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, who spoke before the motion was put to voice vote, said, “I really do not want to believe that the NDDC will be making expenditure without appropriation. Sometimes, it is an indictment on the House itself.”