Senate President Godswill Akpabio has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to produce documentary evidence to substantiate his allegation that he introduced a 50 per cent deduction from payments to contractors handling projects for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Akpabio made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

He described the allegation as weighty, noting that Amaechi had yet to provide contract documents, payment records or details of identifiable transactions to support his claim.

The former governor, who is also the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, made the allegation on Saturday during the party's campaign rally at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State.

Amaechi had accused Akpabio of introducing the alleged deductions while serving as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, challenging him to account for the practice.

However, the Senate President urged him to identify the contractors affected, the contracts involved, when the deductions allegedly occurred and the payment arrangements through which they were made.

He also demanded evidence establishing his personal involvement in the alleged practice.

“An allegation delivered before an enthusiastic political audience does not, by that circumstance alone, acquire the status of an established fact,” Akpabio said.

He advised Amaechi to submit any credible evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities rather than use the allegation for political confrontation.

Akpabio said allegations involving unlawful deductions from NDDC contractors should be supported by identifiable transactions and relevant records for proper investigation.

The Senate President also turned attention to Amaechi's eight-year administration in Rivers State, which lasted from 2007 to 2015, saying his record in office was equally open to public scrutiny.

He specifically raised questions about the Port Harcourt monorail project, citing its reported cost, incomplete implementation and failure to deliver the anticipated public transportation service.

He also mentioned the Malaria-free Rivers State initiative, arguing that public officials must account for expenditure, project delivery and value for money.

According to him, public accountability should extend to every individual entrusted with public resources and authority, irrespective of political affiliation.

Akpabio further warned against using the approaching 2027 general elections as justification for making unsubstantiated allegations, stressing that issues concerning the NDDC's finances and administration required credible investigation.

He maintained that the commission's developmental responsibilities in the oil-producing Niger Delta region should remain central to discussions about its operations.

He also called for transparent procurement processes, completed projects and measurable development outcomes, insisting that allegations against public officials must be backed by verifiable evidence.