ICPC, Niger Delta Leaders Clash over NDDC Staff

ICPC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s interrogation of NDDC staff has angered Niger Delta Leaders.

The enraged leaders of the region under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Leaders Forum (NDLF) on Friday described the action of ICPC as a needless distraction, TheConscience reports.

Speaking to the media in Port Harcourt on Friday, John Harry, spokesperson of the NDLF condemned the agency for the diversionary tactics.

Flanked by Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers, Abia, Rivers, Imo, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Ondo representatives, Harry blasted the ICPC over interrogation of the Commission’s workers.

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The leaders praised the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio for redefining leadership in the region, sanitizing NDDC, decentralizing the functions of NDDC, finding solutions to the problems confronting the region and bringing the Commission closer to the ideals for which it was established.

“Chief Godswill Akpabio is the most positive Minister in the Niger Delta region. The approach of ICPC is bound to result in conflict with the mandate of the Interim Management Committee and the Act setting up the Commission. It is in every sense witch hunting.”

“What ICPC has done now is sabotage of the forensic agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. The Interim Management Committee is a panacea for the region’s problem, IMC’s problem is understandable. Some politicians want to control the Commission. The idea of a minister who is not controlled by them is unthinkable.”

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They urged President Buhari to ignore the antics of mischief makers and pecuniary seeking elements that are all out to bring down the minister and the IMC.

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“There has been well oiled machinery by enemies of progress and failed politicians to bring down Akpabio and the Interim Management Committee.  Those frustrated by the achievements recorded by the IMC are using ICPC against the Commission” the leaders said.