FG Sets Up Panel To Probe NDDC

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the constitution of a Presidential Committee to look into the problems hindering the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This was contained in statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement named, Mr Steve Oronsaye as chairman of the committee, while Messrs Bamidele Aturu, and B. O. N. Oti; a representative of the Bureau for Public Procurement, and Sen. Bassey Ewa- Henshaw, are members.

Other members are, Mrs Koripamo-Agari and Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, while Mr Raymond Brown of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will serve as secretary.

The statement said the committee was to assess and evaluate a sample inventory of some NDDC projects and evaluate the contractors’ pre-qualification process and the roles and relationship of the board, management and staff of the commission.

It is also to evaluate the procurement practices of the commission and its compliance with the letter and spirit of the Public Procurement Act.

Others are to evaluate the institutionalisation of the orientation of personnel of the commission at all levels, in order to inform and manage expectations.

It is also to evaluate fund management and other variables, including check and balances that can be improved upon so as to strengthen the commission.

The committee is also charged with evaluating compliance or otherwise, with the Public Service Rules and extant Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

The committee is expected to make recommendations to government in its bid to address institutional weaknesses and guide its constructive intervention on issues.

The committee was given two weeks to conclude its assignment.