The Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, on Monday, collapsed before the House of Representatives Committee during an investigative hearing.
He was fielding questions from lawmakers at the ongoing probe of the N40 billion irregular expenditures in the commission.
The members had asked Prof. Pondei to explain the N642 million paid to a company known as Clear Point Communication and the N536 million paid for Save Life Campaign in the oil-rich region.
He was also asked to prove that they were all budgeted for in the 2019 Appropriation Act.
Prof. Pondei who told the lawmakers that N642 million paid to Clear Point Communication was to train locals and to help locate and identify NDDC projects in the area, could not confirm that the payments were budgeted for, asking the lawmakers to give him time to provide the budget.
However, in the process, Prof. Pondei collapsed, sweating profusely and was carried out for first aid and medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila has sympathised with the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Prof. Pondei, following his collapse at the ongoing N40 billion probe in the house.
Mr. Gbajabimila who made a surprise appearance at the venue of the hearing also apologised for the poor ventilation in the hall.
Mr. Gbajabiamila said that documents submitted by the ailing Acting Managing Director should be used to carry out further investigation.
The speaker, however, emphasised that the investigation was about fact-finding and that the facts must come out for the good of the Niger Delta people.
