Minister Seeks To Review President Buhari’s ‘Contrary’ NDDC Audit Report
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, has announced his ministry’s plans to review the audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This comes as the minister holds that the audit report is contrary to President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent disclosure that a phased implementation of the report had begun.
Buhari made the disclosure while speaking at a management retreat organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs penultimate week, saying that his government had begun the implementation of the recommendations of the audit report
in phases.
In his words: “In pursuance of our determination to curb corruption and in response to the call of the governors of the South-south for a forensic audit of NDDC, I undertook some critical reforms and requested a forensic audit of NDDC from inception to 2019.
“The report of the audit has been
submitted and implementation of its recommendations has commenced
in phases. This process will soon usher in a new management and board
for the commission.”
However, while hosting a former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, in Abuja Tuesday, the Niger Delta Affairs minister said his ministry was taking measures to review the already completed audit report of the NDDC.
He added that it would provide proper foundational template for the implementation and execution of projects in the region.
In a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe, “Umana stressed that the ministry is taking steps to review the already concluded audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as it would provide proper foundational template for the implementation and execution of projects in the region.”
The minister reiterated the dedication of his ministry in collaborating with major stakeholders and development partners to secure the development of the Niger Delta region and the country.
Speaking on oil theft in the region, he clarified that although complicated, no option would be excluded in tackling the menace, adding that efforts were being made to retain peace and tranquility in the region.
Umana pledged to support efforts, initiatives and programmes that will guide the ministry’s achievement of its objectives and mandate.
