Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Niger Delta, recently disclosed that the forensic report tracking the expenditure of N81.5 billion allocated to the Niger Delta Development Commission from January to July 2020 is currently missing.
In a recent interview on Channels Television, Momoh made this revelation, indicating that despite his assumption that the report would be in the Ministry upon his assumption of office, it was nowhere to be found when he inquired with the Permanent Secretary.
He assured the public that efforts are being made to locate the missing report promptly and it will be shared with Nigerians once found.
Momoh reiterated his commitment to holding those implicated in the report accountable for their actions, pledging that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on them.
He stated, “It is imperative that we track down the report and ensure that justice is served. No one will escape without consequence for misappropriating government funds. We are determined to uncover the report and prosecute those responsible.”
“The report will be retrieved shortly, and once obtained, its details will be made known to the public,” he added.
Looking back at events from 2020, tension arose in the National Assembly when the then Minister of Niger Delta, now Senate President Godswill Akpabio, faced the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta to justify the utilization of the N81.5 billion funds by the Niger Delta Development Commission in the first half of 2020.
It’s worth noting that during the proceedings, the then-acting MD, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, collapsed. The memorable episode also birthed the popular phrase “honorable minister (Akpabio) off your mic” in the nation.
Despite the forensic report being presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2021, there has been limited information regarding its implementation or the specifics of its findings to date.