Gbajabiamila: Acting NDDC MD, Pondei, will not Appear before Panel Again

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has disclosed that the Acting Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Kemebradikumo Pondei, who slumped during the ongoing investigative hearing, will not appear before the committee again.

The Speaker made the disclosure when he joined the committee after the hearing resumed, following the collapse of Pondei, while being grilled by the lawmakers.

He said that the committee will adopt the written response of the managing director.

The Speaker also wished Pondei a safe and speedy recovery.

Gbajabiamila said: ”There would be no need for the MD of NDDC to appear anymore since he has submitted a written response. I wish Mr. Pondei safe and speedy recovery and I have also sent the Medical Director of the National Assembly to follow up to ascertain the condition of the MD. Thank you very much and I, therefore, hand over to the current chairman of the committee, Mr. Thomas Ereyitomi, to continue with the hearing.”

He added that the decision by the Chairman, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to recuse himself from the probe showed that the lawmakers were out to ensure a credible exercise.

He said that the committee will adopt the written response of the managing director.

The Speaker also wished Pondei a safe and speedy recovery.

Gbajabiamila said: ”There would be no need for the MD of NDDC to appear anymore since he has submitted a written response. I wish Mr. Pondei safe and speedy recovery and I have also sent the Medical Director of the National Assembly to follow up to ascertain the condition of the MD. Thank you very much and I, therefore, hand over to the current chairman of the committee, Mr. Thomas Ereyitomi, to continue with the hearing.”

He added that the decision by the Chairman, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to recuse himself from the probe showed that the lawmakers were out to ensure a credible exercise.