No politics in Rivers revenue agency, NDDC impasse

PORT HARCOURT, River State, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) has said there is no politics in the current impasse between the agency and the River State revenue generation agency.

In a statement, Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Charles Obi Odili said he reacted based on attempt to give political coloration to the current impasse.

The Rivers State Government had alleged that the NDDC is indebted to it to the tune of N50 billion in taxes and consequently sealed its premises. But the NDDC said it is not owing Rivers State Government any money and that it has met its financial obligation to the state government.

“The NDDC as a responsible organisation is mindful of its corporate social responsibilities and will at all times meet its legal financial obligations. This explains the stand of the Commission on the issue at stake. 

“The commission feels strongly that due process was not followed and thereby denying her of fair hearing when the RIRS opted to surreptitiously procure an exparte order, instead of reaching for dialogue and peaceful resolution.  The commission was also not served the court processes to enable it defend itself”, he said.

See full statement below

The attention of the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to spurious media speculations which tended to give a political colouration to the ongoing impasse between the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service and the Commission. 

The NDDC as a responsible organisation is mindful of its corporate social responsibilities and will at all times meet its legal financial obligations. This explains the stand of the Commission on the issue at stake. 

The commission feels strongly that due process was not followed and thereby denying her of fair hearing when the RIRS opted to surreptitiously procure an exparte order, instead of reaching for dialogue and peaceful resolution.  The commission was also not served the court processes to enable it defend itself. 

It is equally curious that the court order was obtained from a provincial division of the Rivers State High Court sitting in Omoku. 

As a Federal Government institution operating in Rivers state, the NDDC will always pursue the sacred creed of harmony and good conscience in its operational modalities. 

There are ongoing efforts to resolve this matter amicably in the overall interest of the entire people of the Niger Delta Region.

Charles Obi Odili

Director, Corporate Affairs.

April 25, 2019.