The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has invited EFFCand ICPC to investigate its activities and to prosecute officials?found to be involved in corruption. ?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are the two anti-graft agencies in Nigeria.
The ?Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Christian Oboh,?made the statement ?in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign on ?“Strengthening the Culture of Institutional Integrity, Transparency and Accountability”.
Oboh said? the commission was willing to partner with anti-corruption agencies to ensure transparency and accountability to fast track the development of the Niger Delta region.
He said that “the public perception of NDDC will change if officials are investigated. We are?even the ones?inviting the anti-graft agencies?to re-evaluate our activities.''
The managing director said?the agency had introduced measures that would check corruption in its operations. ?
He said ??“the?commission’s processes are?now open to the public. Recruitment examination is online and e-payment has been introduced in the issuance of?contracts.
“Our books are open. The?law allows people to ask questions on what we are doing; we should not develop the Niger Delta on the pages of newspapers.''
Oboh promised that his administration would not relent in its desire to eradicate corruption from the commission.
Earlier, Mr Ekpo Nta, the Acting Chairman of ICPC, said that the transparency and accountability of an organisation depended?on the credibility of individuals running it.
Ntaurged NDCCto strengthen and empower its anti-corruption unit for more effective results.
The Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, represented by Dr David Turaka, said NDDC was an important organisation that must get things right in its bid to develop the Niger Delta.