NDDC: I lost my job because I refused to spend N10b as Christmas ‘palliatives’ — Nunieh

Accuses Akpabio of embezzlement, job racketeering, others

The immediate past Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joy Nuniel, has revealed being under duress to give out Christmas palliatives last year to the tune of N10 billion, adding that her refusal to yield led to her job loss.

She made this know while she fielded questions from the committee of the House of Representatives on the Niger Delta, presently investigating the commission.

“…For the first time in the history of NDDC, no palliatives were given. I did not give out Christmas palliatives.

I was under pressure to bring N10bn – N1bn per state – but I refused. The youths were complaining that things were difficult and I said ‘the day I give you this money, you know I have started collecting your money.’

“I never gave any Christmas bonus or palliative during my time. For the first time in the history of NDDC, NDDC worked throughout December. There was no break except on public holidays.”

On allegations of corruption against her, she said: “I am not corrupt. No contractor can sit anywhere and say they gave me N10. And I can say before the world that I’m the most unpopular MD ever that came to NDDC.

“The money of the people of Niger Delta is blood money; I refused to touch it. Even when my friends were contractors, even when they claimed that they were owed monies, my instruction was that everybody should go and finish their jobs.

Nunieh also accused Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godswill Akpabio of embezzling the commission’s finances and job racketeering.

The House Committee summoned the minister to appear before it on Monday to come and respond to the allegations against him.

Reacting, Akpabio said: “There is no scintilla of truth in all the allegations peddled around by Ms. Nunieh. They are simply false!”

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