Akpabio Challenges Amaechi to Prove Alleged NDDC Deductions

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations made by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi that he introduced a 50% deduction from payments to Niger Delta Development Commission contractors. Akpabio's media office stated that Amaechi must provide documents showing how the alleged deductions were implemented during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. This development arose from comments made by Amaechi during a political rally in Bauchi State on November 14.

Amaechi reportedly linked the alleged practice to Akpabio's time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, a position he occupied between August 2019 and May 2022. Akpabio's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, responded to the allegations, stating that such serious accusations require verifiable records. Eyiboh questioned the basis of Amaechi's claim, citing a lack of contract documents, payment records, or identifiable transactions to establish that the alleged deductions took place.

Eyiboh challenged Amaechi to provide specific details about the alleged arrangement, including the contractors affected, projects involved, transaction dates, and individuals responsible for authorizing the deductions. He also insisted that Amaechi should present evidence connecting Akpabio personally to the alleged financial arrangement. According to Eyiboh, making allegations against a public office holder requires more than public speeches, particularly when claims involve public funds and NDDC operations.

The Senate President's spokesman argued that the seriousness of an allegation should be measured by the evidence presented to support it. He maintained that neither the political position of an accuser nor the strength of public statements could replace documentary proof. Eyiboh further argued that issues concerning public expenditure should be handled through established accountability procedures, using relevant financial records and verifiable information.

Eyiboh also questioned Amaechi's own record during his eight years as governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015. He raised concerns about major projects, such as the Port Harcourt monorail and the Malaria-free Rivers State initiative. Eyiboh suggested that Amaechi's years in office should not be excluded from public accountability simply because he was now making allegations against another political office holder.

The spokesman urged Amaechi to forward any evidence in his possession to the appropriate investigative authorities rather than relying solely on statements made at political gatherings. He stressed that public officials and former office holders must be prepared to answer questions about their decisions, particularly where public funds and development projects are concerned.

Key points

• Akpabio's camp demands evidence from Amaechi to support allegations of 50% deductions from NDDC contractor payments.