By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
In reaction to the recent Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) probe by the House of Representatives and the startling revelations of corruption, allegations and counter allegations by top officers of the NDDC and members of the House of Representatives, a group, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International Nigeria said that it followed with keen interest the sad events unfolding following the NDDC forensic audit processes.
In a chat with TheNiche on the NDDC probe by the House of Representatives and the likely outcome, the Executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani said that the organisation is looking forward for accountable investigation into the allegations.
“We are saddened by the recent unfolding events in the probe which includes the controversial attempt to arrest; allegations and counter allegations of corruption between all alleged parties; the outbursts at the investigative hearing and all other undue occurrences.”
Nevertheless, CISLAC commended the efforts of all teams working on the audit, especially the House of Representatives in response to the President’s order for the speedy and effective coordination amongst security and investigative agencies along with the National Assembly into the NDDC operations between 2000-2019,
It however called on the National Assembly to wake up to their statutory and legislative responsibilities which includes ‘responsive and responsible oversight, effective representation and law making, as well as prudent constituency accountability’.
The group cautioned the National Assembly not to act in a manner that is tantamount to corruption, adding that such manner will lead to loss of moral superiority and confidence to question any form of irresponsibility from other government agencies and officials as “He that comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
“We hereby call on the National Assembly to duly and timely see to a conclusion of every allegation brought to the floor of the two chambers and not hesitate to involve the judiciary and anti-graft agencies where necessary.
“It is also important that these allegations, which does not speak well for our country, are resolved satisfactorily, especially as the country is battling with harsh economic realities, debilitating debt profile and faced with a desperate need to mobilize resources and effectively utilize it.
“We call on the presidency and other relevant anti-graft agencies to act according to institutionalized processes and culture of accountability that affirm responsible public financial management in Nigeria.”