Ex-federal Reps member Sunny-Goli drag Wabote, others to EFCC over allege questionable disbursement of funds for NCDMB projects in Bayelsa

A Former member of the Federal House of Representative from Bayelsa State, Hon. Isreal Sunny-Goli has filed a petition before the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over the need for a thorough investigation into the controversy surrounding the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited State by the immediate past management of the Nigerian Content, Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) led by Engr. Simbi Wabote.

Hon. Isreal Sunny-Goli, who was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2019. In 2019 and also a member of the Federal House of Representative representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the 9th Assembly between 2019 – 2023, urged the EFCC to investigate these projects which is all situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Hon. Sunny-Goli, who personally submitted the petition on Thursday to the Abuja office of the EFCC, said given his years of active political and communal leadership and by all standards qualified to express concerns about the overall development of my people and to protect same,”.

It is on this premise that I hereby wish to forward a petition to the Commission for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, all situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Eng. Simbi Kesiye Wabote”.

In the copy of the petition, made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, Hon. Sunny-Goli pointed out that the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, which was a project conceived to establish two (2) trains of 5,000MTPD methanol Plants and One(1) train of 500MMscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odiama, Brass Island, Bayelsa State with a total NCDMB equity contribution for this project is $200m”

“ With an initial payment of $20m made in May, 2021, and an annual payment of $60m over the period of 3 years. He alleged that the NCDMB Directors involved were the past Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Simbi Wabote and Mohammed Umar WITH ONE Mr. Ben Okoye as the Keyman. With the project current Status as nothing tangible has been accomplished on this project, thus making its delivery uncertain and gloomy”.

“Also the Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited: This project was conceived for the establishment of a 2,000bpd Modular Refinery, a jetty facility, and a 2MW power plant in the Brass Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Bayelsa State. Its target completion period was 24 months from the date of financial close. Full investment amount of $35m was released in one bullet in October 2020. The Keyman is one Akindele Akintoye and the NCDMB Directors involved are Simbi Wabote and Isaac Yalah. Current Status of Project: The project has stalled and has little or nothing to show for the disbursement made. Delivery timeline is also uncertain”.

“Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited: The investment was for the establishment of a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks, and loading bay in Brass, Baylesa State. Project was initially conceived to have the NNPC Limited and the NCDMB as shareholders with the private company but was curiously financed by the Simbi-led NCDMB alone. The Keymen involved as NCDMB Directors are Simbi Wabote and Mohammed Umar”.

“Current Status of Project: The project for which funds were disbursed in September 2021, has not progressed as expected, and its completion remains not only uncertain but funding by the other shareholders is also not assured”.

He pointed out to the EFCC that “As can be deduced from the information supplied above, these are well-meaning projects aimed at creating jobs for our teeming unemployed youths, as well as increase the nation’s revenue. To ensure our great nation is not short-changed, and our teeming unemployed youths denied gainful employment opportunities in line with the Renewed Hoped agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I hereby request that your commission immediately Institute a thorough investigation into the projects listed above, and prosecute without delay, anyone found culpable in the event of any misappropriation of funds”.