The Special Assistant on Finance to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Nse Willie, has said the Commission, under Nsima Ekere, does not pay for shoddy jobs.
Mr. Willie, who addressed a group of youths under the aegis of ONE YOUTH WAGON Community Development Foundation, who paid him a surprise visit at his Uyo residence during the public holiday, said there is a high level of project monitoring and financial audit process in the commission, whereby any fraudulent contractor cannot be paid.
“We have a robust and strong project monitoring regime which does not allow for contractors who perform shoddy jobs to get paid. The Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere, has always, at every fora, reiterated the fact that in the NDDC which he is at the helm of affairs, there will be no business as usual. This, he has also practiced,” he said.
Mr. Willie, who said over 400 jobs that were abandoned, has been cancelled, said more will join the list as there is continuous review of contracts awarded by the Commission.
The NDDC MD’s Finance Assistant, who enjoined members of the group to be vigilant and protect projects in their domain, said “we have heard of outright sabotage of projects reported by some contractors. We ask you to please be vigilant. Watch over these projects. They are for your good. If you also see a contractor cutting corners, please do well to report to the nearest NDDC office.”
Mr. Willie, who said there will soon be a project explosion across the state, asked the youth to continue to pray for and support Ekere to succeed on his post.
The leader of the group, Mr Ofonmbuk Udoh, who commended the NDDC MD for the several road projects across the state, said the NDDC boss should not be deterred by what he called ‘bad belle’ critics, saying “those who criticize NDDC road projects are enemies of progress.”
As young people, we appreciate the MD for all the jobs going on in the state. We, however, ask him to continue the good work despite the obvious politically motivated hate speeches and comments over these jobs. We have just realized that NDDC can work this much. So, please tell the MD not to stop. We want progress and the jobs are for the progress and development of society,” he said.