Before the controversy: Former acting NDDC MD, Dr Joy Nunieh, appeared before lawmakers at the National Assembly in Abuja in February 2020 to defend the agency’s 2019 budget. Photo: Twitter-@NDDCOnline.

Joy Nunieh the former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has finally appeared before the House of Reps Committee on NDDC, saying she did not touch funds meant for the Niger Delta people.

Ms. Nunieh was billed to appear before the committee on Thursday but her house was besieged by some security agents, hindering her from making a physical appearance.

The former NDDC MD, however, finally made her appearance midday on Friday, addressing the Committee via Zoom.

A screenshot of Ms. Joy Nunieh speaking to the House of Reps Committee on the NDDC via Zoom.

Speaking at the hearing, Ms. Nunieh told the lawmakers that the siege on her residence was an attempt to prevent her from testifying before the panel.

Debunking allegations of fraud and attempts to filibuster the Commission, Nunieh said she did not touch funds meant for the Niger Delta People.

The House of Representatives is carrying out an investigation into alleged mismanagement of funds by the current interim management committee (IMC) of the NDDC.

According to allegations, the interim management of the NDDC has mishandled about N40billion.