Amidst air of fulfillment, Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Monday formally received the final report of the Forensic Audit into the administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
While hosting in his office members of the NDDC Forensic Audit Security Committee led by Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, Akpabio thanked them for their commitment to the success of the exercise. He also expressed his happiness on the pace at which the national assignment was undertaken from 2020 to July 2021.
Though, he admitted, he was yet to look at the nitty gritty of the report, he said the speech of the committee head was indicative of an exhaustive job done with touch of professionalism.
“This assignment was not from us, even though the Ministry supervised it. This assignment was from the President and Commander-in-Chief, Mohammadu Buhari. I want to, on his behalf, thank the security committee,” he said.
The former Senate Minority leader noted that, “As you said earlier, there was no incidence concerning the field nor lead auditors at their residences, as well as the communities, either group or individuals. You were able to endear yourselves to the host communities and they, in return, gave you all the support in your assignment.”
According to him,” to the Glory of God, the Forensic Audit Report is ready for submission to Mr President. It was also important that we also hear from the Security Team, thank them for their comportment, candor and discipline throughout the exercise. The Forensic Audit couldn’t have been successful without the involvement of the security agencies.
“We equally thank you for deeming it necessary to also give your independent report on what you saw, how you saw it and what the situation is in the Niger Delta Region, apart from providing security. If there are areas I need to take extracts for the Commander- in-Chief, to take further actions, I will do so. I know that history will remember you for good and what you have done. This exercise definitely is a turning point for the NDDC and the development of the Niger Delta Region.
.The committee leader had earlier thanked the President through the Minister for the opportunity given his committee to contribute their quota to bring about the needed change in the commission saying,” we are very happy to report that after almost over a year after the commencement of this assignment, that job has been successfully completed. We worked with the Auditors and provided them the right environment for them to do their job successfully”.
The Naval Officer stated further, “we secured them in their hotels and the projects’ site. Throughout the period, we enjoyed the support of the Ministry, which provided all the logistics needed for the job. Over 398 personnel from across the services were engaged for the exercise”.
“This exercise is a big plus for the Ministry of Niger Delta. I want to congratulate the Minister for carrying it out as directed by our Commander-in- Chief. Throughout the duration of the exercise, nobody died and all the property under our care can conveniently be accounted for. Once again, it is a honour and privilege to have worked with you in this task.”
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