Ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs has been lambasted by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta Affairs.

He said; “We are responding to the allegations of the IMC to correct the misrepresentation. If they claim that some 1000 jobs were given to any Senator, we challenge the IMC members to compile the list of this contracts and publish them.”

“Also, the EFCC, Police or ICPC should be reached to investigate those claims instead of blackmailing anybody.”

“What we are seeing is a case of a man sent to catch the thief but instead of catching the thief, he starts stealing too.”

“If members of the IMC know that their hands are clean, they don’t need to panick or resort to blackmail which would not in any way deter the already mandated investigative committees of the National Assembly from carrying out their legitimate assignments.”

“Their lies have short legs and unfortunately cannot run fast or fly. IMC must be ready to submit itself for thorough investigation by committees already assigned for that by both Chambers of the National Assembly.”

“The allegations of balkanisation of budget just came because the IMC members were asked to appear before the Adhoc-committee to answer questions.”

“The National Assembly has the right to appropriate and carry out oversight functions on the Niger Delta Ministry and the NDDC. So, no amount of intimidation or blackmail will stop us.”

“There is a breach of the procedure for requesting budget amendment or virulent. If the President sends it, we will consider it. As it stands, there is nothing before the National Assembly.”