We did not hijack Cross River govt projects – NDDC
Ani Bassey
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has strongly refuted allegations by officials of the Cross River State Government that it hijacked projects undertaken by the state.
NDDC Chairman, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, described the claims as “bad politics” and “misinformation” during the inauguration of some projects executed by the commission in Bayelsa State.
Ebie expressed disappointment that despite the commission’s efforts in executing projects in Calabar, some individuals sought to cast the NDDC in a bad light.
He specifically addressed recent media reports alleging that due process was not followed in the award of road contracts in Calabar, stating that such claims were false and misleading.
“The law is clear that the Chairman and Managing Director shall sign contracts on behalf of the commission only when due process is followed,” Ebie explained.
“This includes completing the procurement process, issuing award letters, and preparing bills of engineering measurement and evaluation (BEME).”
The NDDC Chairman questioned the credibility of those making the allegations, asking, “How can someone falsely claim there was no award letter or BEME?” He emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and due process in its operations.
Ebie urged individuals to refrain from dragging the NDDC into political battles, stating, “Politics is politics; leave your politics aside, do not include the NDDC because this is a new NDDC, and we are determined to make a difference.”
The NDDC remains committed to its mission of promoting socio-infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region, and its leadership is focused on ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
Agents of the Cross River State government claimed that the Nyaghasang road project in Calabar was its project.
This brought up a major issue within the state.
