The Chairman of the Security Team for the Forensic Audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rear Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, on behalf of the team has submitted the security aspect of the report of the just concluded NDDC Forensic exercise.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio who received the Forensic Audit report from the Security Team in Abuja, expressed satisfaction on the job done, stating that the report would definitely be a turning point for the NDDC and development of the Niger Delta region.
A statement by the Ministry’s Director Press and Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe disclosed that the Minister reiterated President Muhammadu Bahari’s directive for a holistic examination and review of the operations of the NDDC which culminated in the inauguration of Forensic Auditor and subsequently the Security team for the Forensic Auditors in order to salvage NDDC and the entire Niger Delta region.
According to the him, “from my own observation, l want to thank you for taking this national assignment seriously…this assignment was from the Commander -in-Chief, President Muhammad Buhari, though being supervised by the Ministry, l want to thank on his behalf, the Security Committee for a very difficult job done well.
“From all indications, it is clear that the Security Agency were not only committed to their assignment but also carried out their task with professionalism as such there were no incidence on the Forensic Auditors, Support staff whether in their areas of residence or in the communities (individuals or groups) , they welcomed you mostly with pomp and pageantry, they were excited to see all of you and they gave you all the cooperation, l believe that is because of the approach and tactics you used in approaching your job”, he continued.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the timely completion of he Forensic Audit Report which would be submitted to Mr. President adding that the Security team exhibited high level of discipline, candour and brilliant comportment knowing that the exercise would not be successful without security assistance.
“Even as we speak, 389 security personnel were involved in this process, no incidence occurred and all the properties entrusted to your care are still intact and could be accounted for…, you made Nigerians proud and we depend on you, there is no development that can take place in any country without security and this Forensic Audit could not have been successful if you were not part of it”, he stressed.
Akpabio noted that as the report is studied, salient areas would be extracted for Mr. President to take further action, noting that the exercise will reposition the NDDC as well as enhance the socio-economic status of the Niger Delta region.
Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, in his speech, remarked that the Security team which was formed about a year ago comprised the personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and was to provide security for the Auditors as they carried out the forensic audit of the NDDC.
He informed that the team worked with the Auditors and provided the right environment, adequate security at the hotels and the various project sites which enabled a successful execution of the job.
According to him, “we enjoyed the support of the Ministry, we were provided with all the logistics that were needed for the job and over 398 personnel of the security agencies were involved in this exercise, this is a very big plus for the Minister for carrying out this audit exercise and for all the support he has given us”.
He posited that throughout the period of the exercise, “we did not lose anyone and all the properties that were entrusted in our care, we can confidently account for them”.
While expressing his gratitude for the honour and privilege to have worked in this capacity, he hoped that the report will help the Authorities to take appropriate decision that would move NDDC and the Niger Delta region forward.
