BREAKING: Reps give Akpabio 48 hours to name National Assembly members who got NDDC contracts

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, has given Godswill Akpabio, minister of Niger Delta affairs, 48 hours to name the lawmakers who got contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking on the floor of the house on Tuesday, Gbajabiamila also commended Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, chairman of the house committee on NDDC, from withdrawing from the probe of the commission.

While appearing before the panel probing the NDDC on Monday, Akpabio said most of the contracts awarded by the agency were to members of the national assembly.

The speaker said if the minister fails to name the lawmakers, the full “wrath” of the house will be brought against him.

Gbajabiamila said Akpabio came to play games but “we do not play games here”.

“I am giving the minister 24 to 48 hours, to publish the names, the contracts, the companies, date, amount and the projects,” he said.

“Failing which, this house will bring the full wrath of the house on him. It is important that we set this record straight.

“The minister owes it to himself, to the committee, to people of Niger Delta, and the country to publish it. I will reserve my judgement. The minister came there to play games, but we do not play games here.”