As Source Accuses Akpabio Of Instigating Rita Lori's Suit

 NDDC: Forensic Audit Prolonged To Frustrate Board Reconstitution – Johnson

★As Source Accuses Akpabio Of Instigating Rita Lori's Suit

By Wilson Macaulay

Warri

Following the expiration of the July timeline for the reconstitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the law suit filed by Rita Lori against the termination of the audit process, a stakeholder from the region, Mr Kolawole Johnson, has said that prolonging the forensic audit was a ploy to perpetuate illegality that has become the lot of the commission against the Niger Delta region.

This is even as sources observing the development alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio must have instigated Rita Lori, a popular female politician from the region to file the said suit for pecuniary gains since she was never a part of the NDDC management. 

Recall that a suit was recently filed asking the court to compel the federal government to allow the forensic team ample time to conclude its job without being breathed down on.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Independent, Mr. Kolawole Johnson, who is also-rans the Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning at Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives, stated that prolonging the audit process helps to serve the purpose of those who have turned themselves into "feudal lords" and "toll masters" of the commission since there won't be any board to check their unfettered access to the available resources.

"We exposed the scheme of this forensic drama long ago, our exposition is dated back to April, 2020 but those who should have known better became willing tools in the hands of the self-appointed toll masters. We know the so-called forensic audit was long turned a shrewd tool to perpetuate illegalities and ensure the resources of the people are cornered for the benefits of the feudal lords and the very few they need to sustain the odious," he said.

He also revealed that the auditors have been deliberately deprived, neglected and denied necessary tools and resources to conclude their job based on facts made available during a recent tour of the region.

"Less than three months ago, when we embarked on tour alongside some other organizations who graciously foot the bills, the situation of the auditors was appalling, that of the security officials posted to protect them was pitiable, no payment for months. We got useful information and data from the field that give credence to the deliberate schemes to prolong the exercise in addition to some intel. 

"We have always been bursting their plans from inception, you can bare witness to that. We only decided to withdraw from the media while gathering evidences and documents for definite future use because this government has clearly shown it is not ready to fight corruption," he added.

He said his group was well aware of the strategy to employ Rita Lori to go to court just as it revealed previous plots by the minister to perpetrate illegalities that have held the commission hostage till this moment.  

"After all said and done, Rita Lori became the tool of escape. It is certainly not a virtuous strategy but not an entirely weak one. Of course, just like we busted the schemes surrounding the death of the former member of the Interim Committee, the covid lies that led to the closure of the headquarters, the plan to bring a Sole Administrator way ahead of implementation, we knew about this Rita Lori plan before it was hatched, but what is the point talking when those empowered to act are actively involved? You only hear noise when sharing formular is not respected but the day of reckoning beckons," Mr Johnson assured.

Detailed exposition from the interview with Mr Kolawole Johnson of the Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives will be published subsequently.

 Also reacting to the failed July timeline and the lawsuit, another stakeholder who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the forensic audit team the minister claimed will submit it's final report by 31st July, became a forgotten date and issue.

According to him, "Rita Lori is at it, to cover up the forensic audit report on NDDC and Akpabio, it's not unlikely the instigator of the role Rita Lori is currently playing. To me, is the Script of Akpabio, to perpetuate the Interim Administration in NDDC."

 

"But I'm still sure God's verdict is supreme to any plan he Akpabio has for the Niger Delta region and NDDC.

"She (Rita Lori) is not part of the Interim Administration, my brother.

But how they co-opted her or conscripted her to do their bidding by asking the Court to compel the FG and Minister to ensure forensic audit continues without a board, is the mystery.

"No ruling yet. But the goal of using her to file the suit, is to forestall the submission of the promised forensic final report, which to my own mind, is not ready, since he Akpabio does not want the Board in place, to allow for his Interim Administration continue in perpetuity", the source stated.

Recall that Akpabio at a meeting with chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo and other stakeholders in the region promised to submit approved list of board members to the National Assembly following the conclusion of the forensic audit exercise instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Series of failed promises regarding the new board had prompted agitators in the region to issue threats of attacks on oil installations if the government failed to constitute a new board for the NDDC at the expiration of a given deadline.