Akpabio Challenges Amaechi To Prove 50% NDDC Deduction Allegation

The Office of the President of the Senate has challenged former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to provide documentary evidence to support his allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio introduced a 50 per cent deduction from payments to contractors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Senate President’s spokesman, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said Amaechi must substantiate the allegation with verifiable documents rather than make accusations at political rallies.

Eyiboh, in a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, said the allegation was serious and required evidence, including contract documents, payment records, identifiable transactions and details of affected contractors.

Amaechi reportedly made the allegation during a political rally in Bauchi State on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Reacting, Eyiboh questioned the basis of the former minister’s accusation, asking him to identify the contracts involved, the contractors affected, when the alleged deductions occurred and the payment arrangements through which they were allegedly made.

He also challenged Amaechi to provide evidence establishing Akpabio’s personal involvement in the alleged deductions.

According to the statement, the prominence of an accuser or the intensity of political rhetoric cannot replace the need for verifiable facts.

“If Mr Amaechi possesses credible evidence of unlawful deductions involving NDDC contractors, the appropriate course is to identify the relevant transactions, disclose the supporting records and submit the material to competent investigative authorities,” Eyiboh said.

The Senate President’s spokesman also called for scrutiny of Amaechi’s eight-year administration as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.

He specifically mentioned the Port Harcourt monorail project and the Malaria-free Rivers State initiatives as areas requiring public examination.

Eyiboh raised questions about the reported cost, implementation and eventual inability of the monorail project to deliver its anticipated public transportation services.

He argued that public accountability should extend to every public official entrusted with public resources, irrespective of political affiliation.

The statement further cautioned political actors against allowing the approaching 2027 general elections to undermine responsible public discourse.

It stressed that allegations concerning the finances, contracts and administration of the NDDC should be subjected to credible investigations rather than being used as instruments of political confrontation.

According to Eyiboh, the people of the Niger Delta deserve transparent procurement processes, completed projects, functioning infrastructure and measurable development outcomes.

He urged Amaechi to submit any documentary evidence in his possession to the appropriate authorities for objective examination in accordance with the law.

Eyiboh added that public accountability could only be strengthened when allegations were tested against evidence and public expenditure assessed against actual results.

He also referenced Akpabio’s record as governor of Akwa Ibom State, arguing that the former governor’s allegations should be considered alongside the records of public officials.

“Ultimately, the credibility of a public allegation must rest not on the volume of its delivery, the status of its author or the occasion on which it is made, but on the quality of the evidence supporting it,” the statement added.