The Niger Delta Development Commission says its acting Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, shunned medical advice to attend a House of Representatives Committee hearing today in Abuja.
Pondei had reportedly slumped on Monday during public hearing by House Representatives committee on NDDC into the alleged financial scandal rocking the commission
The incident, which happened in the Conference Room 231 of the House, had led to brief suspension of the hearing as the acting managing director was rushed out of the hall.
Reacting in a statement on Monday night, NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said Pondei has been ill for two weeks now.
The statement titled ‘Prof Pondei has been ill’ partly read, “The Commission wishes to disclose that Prof Pondei has been ill for the past two weeks. This morning, his condition deteriorated, and his doctors advised against attending the hearing.
“However, he ignored his doctors’ advice because of the realisation that his traducers will use his absence at the hearing to soil his name and reputation. He thought he could make it through the hearing and take care of his health later.
“As it turned out, his doctors were right. Prof Pondei is in a stable condition at a clinic in Abuja.”
Pondei became the acting managing director of the commission on February 20, 2020, following the termination of Joy Nunieh’s appointment by the President Muhammadu Buhari.
The PUNCH
