NDDC Probe: Acting MD, Pondei To Stop Appearing Before Panel After Death Scare

• Gbajabiamila asks panel to use document tendered to conclude its investigation.

• Apologises for the condition of the room where hearing took place

Following the incident at investigative hearing of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Monday, Speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, says acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will no longer appear before the panel probing him.

Gbajabiamila made this known while speaking after Pondei, who lost consciousness at the venue of the investigation, was taken to hospital.

Gbajabiamila asked the panel to use documents he already tendered to the panel to reach its conclusion.

The acting managing director of the commission fainted while he was being questioned by the panel over allegations bordering on the corruption and malfeasance at the commission.

While wishing Pondei a quick recovery, the speaker apologised over the poor condition of the hearing room which was stuffy.

“We wish him well. I have been here barely five minutes and I am already sweating profusely. So I do understand and apologise to everybody here for the poorly conducive atmosphere. I want to say at this point and make it clear, that is not an adversarial hearing. It is not even inquisitorial,” the speaker said.

“It is a fact-finding mission for the people of Nigeria. Just to make things better and we should handle this as such. No one is under inquisition. The fact must come out and that is why the committee is doing what it is doing.

Also Read: NDDC Probe: Commotion As Commission’s Acting MD, Pondei Faints During Investigative Hearing

“Because of these conditions in this hall, we don’t need to hear further from the acting MD because he has already submitted his written report. I think you can use the documents to do the work that needs to be done.

“Starting from the minister, Dr. Cairo and all the executive directors – we are sorry under the conditions which you have been invited and my members are under the same conditions. We wish Mr Pondei all the best.”

Gbajabiamila commended Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, chairman of the probe panel, for recusing himself from the investigation.

“I want to commend the chairman of the committee who this morning recused himself from being part of the proceedings. It shows the level of integrity of himself and by extension his committee and further extension to the house of representatives. I believe he has set the stage for a fair hearing,” he said.