NDDC: Unending Forensic Audit Designed To Frustrate Board Reconstitution – Johnson

…says auditors working in deplorable condition
…as source alleges Rita Lori’s suit is to ensure perpetuity

Despite the expiration of the July timeline for the reconstitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the law suit filed by Rita Lori against the termination of the audit process, a critical stakeholder from the region, Mr Kolawole Johnson, has said that the unending forensic audit was a ploy designed to further perpetuate illegality that has become the norm in the government interventionist agency.

Sources observing the unfolding scenario alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio must have influenced Rita Lori, a popular Niger Deltan to file the said suit for alleged pecuniary gains since she was never a part of the NDDC management.

TheNewsGuru.com, TNG recalls that a suit was recently filed asking the court to compel the federal government to allow the forensic team ample time to conclude its job without a board put in place.

Mr. Kolawole Johnson, who is also the Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning at Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives, in a chat stated that prolonging the audit process helps to serve the purpose of those who have turned themselves into “feudal lords” and “toll masters” of the commission since there won’t be any board to check their unfettered access to the available resources.

“We exposed the scheme of this forensic drama long ago, our exposition is dated back to April, 2020 but those who should have known better became willing tools in the hands of the self-appointed toll masters. We know the so-called forensic audit was long turned a shrewd tool to perpetuate illegalities and ensure the resources of the people are cornered for the benefits of the feudal lords and the very few they need to sustain the odious,” he said.

The popular activist noted that the auditors have been deliberately deprived, neglected and denied necessary tools and resources to conclude their job based on facts made available during a recent tour of the region.

“Less than three months ago, when we embarked on tour alongside some other organizations who graciously foot the bills, the situation of the auditors was appalling, that of the security officials posted to protect them was pitiable, no payment for months. We got useful information and data from the field that give credence to the deliberate schemes to prolong the exercise in addition to some intel.

“We have always been busting their plans from inception, you can bear witness to that. We only decided to withdraw from the media while gathering evidences and documents for definite future use because this government has clearly shown it is not ready to fight corruption,” he added.

He said his group was well aware of the strategy to employ Rita Lori to go to court just as it revealed previous plots by the minister to perpetrate illegalities that have held the commission hostage till this moment.

“After all said and done, Rita Lori became the tool of escape. It is certainly not a virtuous strategy but not an entirely weak one.

“Of course, just like we busted the schemes surrounding the death of the former member of the Interim Committee, the covid lies that led to the closure of the headquarters, the plan to bring a Sole Administrator way ahead of implementation, we knew about this Rita Lori plan before it was hatched, but what is the point talking when those empowered to act are actively involved? You only hear noise when sharing formular is not respected but the day of reckoning beckons,” Mr Johnson assured.

A top source reacting to the failed July timeline and the lawsuit, another stakeholder who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the forensic audit team the minister claimed will submit its final report by 31st July, became a forgotten date and issue.

According to him, Rita Lori is at it, to cover up the forensic audit report on NDDC and Akpabio, it’s not unlikely the instigator of the role Rita Lori is currently playing. To me, is the Script of Akpabio, to perpetuate the Interim Administration in NDDC.”

“But I’m still sure God’s verdict is supreme to any plan he Akpabio has for the Niger Delta region and NDDC.

“She (Rita Lori) is not part of the Interim Administration, my brother.
But how they co-opted her or conscripted her to do their bidding by asking the Court to compel the FG and Minister to ensure forensic audit continues without a board, is the mystery.

“No ruling yet. But the goal of using her to file the suit, is to forestall the submission of the promised forensic final report, which to my own mind, is not ready, since he Akpabio does not want the Board in place, to allow for his Interim Administration continue in perpetuity”, the source stated.

Recently, Akpabio at a meeting with Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and other stakeholders in the region promised to submit approved list of board members to the National Assembly following the conclusion of the forensic audit exercise instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The inability of the FG to fulfill promises to constitute a board as an interim management completely negates the Act establishing the commission has made agitators in the region to issue threats of attacks on oil installations if the government failed to constitute a new board for the NDDC at the deadline initially promised which was last day of July.