Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) collapsed on live Tv whiles answering questions from lawmakers over mismanagement of funds

A Nigerian official collapsed on live TV whiles answering questions from lawmakers over mismanagement of funds allocated to a development commission in the country’s oil-rich region.

Daniel Pondei, the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), slumped forward in his chair less than an hour into his session in front of a committee in the House of Representatives.

The incident occurred on July 20, 2020, and became a viral moment in Nigerian political history. The official involved was Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, who was the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Here are the detailed facts regarding the event:

1. The Context: The NDDC Probe

The NDDC is a federal agency established to develop the oil-rich but impoverished Niger Delta region. At the time, the Nigerian House of Representatives was conducting an investigative hearing into the alleged mismanagement of ₦81.5 billion (approx. $210 million at the time) by the commission’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) between October 2019 and May 2020.

2. The Collapse

During his testimony, Pondei had been grilled for about 45 minutes by lawmakers. He was being questioned about specific expenditures, including “COVID-19 palliatives” for staff.

• The Moment: As he was about to answer a question regarding the commission’s spending, Pondei suddenly slumped forward in his chair, his eyes glazed, and his head dropped onto the desk.
• The Reaction: A chaotic scene ensued. Aides and lawmakers rushed to him; one man was seen putting his hands in Pondei’s mouth (presumably to prevent him from choking or “swallowing his tongue”), while others used handkerchiefs and papers to fan him.
• Medical Evacuation: He appeared to be semi-conscious but unresponsive for several minutes before being carried out of the hearing room and taken to a hospital in Abuja.

3. Key Controversies

The incident sparked intense debate across Nigeria, primarily centered on whether the collapse was genuine or a “theatrical” attempt to evade questioning.

• The “Acting” Allegations: Many Nigerians on social media and opposition politicians (like the PDP) accused Pondei of “fainting on cue” to avoid answering difficult questions about missing funds.
• Pondei’s Defense: Following his recovery, Pondei denied the claims that he was acting, stating that he had a genuine medical emergency due to an “unexplained health challenge” and had been ill for weeks leading up to the hearing.
• The “Off Your Mic” Moment: Shortly after the collapse, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, took the stand.¹² When he began alleging that lawmakers were the primary beneficiaries of NDDC contracts, the chairman of the committee famously told him, “Honourable Minister, it’s okay, off your mic,” which became another viral catchphrase of the probe.

4. The Aftermath

• Removal from Office: In December 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari eventually removed Pondei and the rest of the Interim Management Committee, replacing them with a sole administrator following a court order.
• Forensic Audit: The government eventually concluded a forensic audit of the NDDC, which revealed over 13,000 abandoned projects and massive financial discrepancies dating back two decades.
• Link below
• https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/20/just-in-nddc-md-pondei-leaves-hospital/#:~:text=Pondei%20was,Akpabio