Patience Jonathan
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it has never given money to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, or anybody for that matter for the passage of its annual budget.
The Commission also debunked media report that it was owing staff salaries, saying the publication was mischievous, unfounded, untrue and sadly fabricated to dent its good image and new reputation.
In a statement Wednesday, signed by its Head, Corporate Affairs, Toye Abosede, NDDC stated that, “to say that the Commission is unable to pay salaries is not only laughable but very misleading and perhaps aimed at dragging the Commission into the political battleground.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has never given money to the First Lady or anybody for that matter for the passage of our annual budget, neither has NDDC ever failed to pay the salaries of its staff as at and when due.
“We, therefore, wish to appeal to politicians and their agents in the media to steer clear of NDDC and allow the Commission to focus on its mandate of providing a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of Niger Delta region.
“It is on record and indeed public knowledge that since the advent of the present board of the Commission, a little over a year ago, the NDDC has shown great leadership, maturity and dynamism in championing and completing hundreds of uncompleted projects rather than awarding new contracts or consultancies.
“We certainly prefer at this point not to be distracted or dragged into the same ring with politicians, but continue the momentum of sustainable developmental efforts, which is now visible on ground to all and sundry,” the statement added.
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