By Ngozi Onyeakusi– Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has ordered the shutdown of its headquarter office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The commission gave the order following the sudden death of the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the , Mr Ibanga Bassey Eteng, even as it instructed all its staff to proceed on two weeks Self- Isolation.
According to an internal memo issued today, 28th May, 2020 to Directors, Head of Departments / Units and all Staff of the NDDC, its ordered a total shutdown of its activities for the initial two weeks effective from today.
Though, the memo did not made mention of the demise of any of its staff, but our Correspondent has confirmed the death of the Commission’s Ag. Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr Ibanga Bassey. He died of Coronavirus.
According to the memo titled “SHUTDOWN” it reads, “I am directed to inform all staff that management has approved that the Commission be shutdown for two weeks from today 28th, May 2020.
“Consequently, all activities in the Commission including ongoing matters are hereby shutdown for the time being.
“Members of staff are to ensure that all electrical appliances in their offices are switched off before leaving the premises”
The Memo which was signed by Silas Anyanwu Esq also directed the head of security of the Commission to ensure the safety and security of the Commission. While Director of Administration will make sure the Commission is fumigated and deconterminated, while also asking all staff to observed two weeks Self -Isolation
“The head of security is by this memo directed to work out modalities to ensure the safety and security of the Commission. While Director Administration is requested to fumigate and deconterminate the entire offices and premises in the headquarter during the period.
“Meanwhile, staff are enjoined to go into Self -Isolation for two weeks as they await further directive from Management” .
The interim management of the NDDC under the supervision of the Minster of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio has been riddled with alleged Corruption, Contract racketeering and huge mismanagement of funds.
This has led to the probe instituted by the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta to unearthed the alleged Corruption in the Commission.