The inauguration of the Ad-hoc Committee to probe the N30 trillion Ways and Means advances under former President, Muhammadu Buhari may cause Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past Central Bank of Nigeria governor, sleepless night.
Emefiele is the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 4 June 2014 to his suspension by President Bola Tinubu, on 9 June 2023.
This may not be connected with Emefiele demanding an apology in written form from Akpabio and publication in the media or be slammed with a N25 billion lawsuit on the Senate President for stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration did not know the crime to charge Emefiele during Senator Barinada Mpigi’s thanksgiving service in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State on February 18.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who inaugurated the committee on Monday, charged the committee to investigate the N30 trillion which was released by the Central Bank of Nigeria to fund projects under Buhari administration.
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The fund which passed through the National Assembly was without details despite the commitment of the executive arm of government to do so.
In his inaugural address, Akpabio urged the Committee members to be impartial, non-compromising and confidential in handling the affairs of the committee.
The Committee was set up following the adoption of a resolution of the Senate Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations.
Akpabio said the 10th Senate believes in transparency, accountability and good governance, adding that the Committee should prove their commitments as Nigerians were agitating to know how the huge sums of money were utilised.
According to him, “The constitution of this committee is a testament to the Senate’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. It reflects our dedication to addressing concerns of the Nigerian people and upholding the principles of democracy.
“To members of this esteemed committee, I implore you to approach your responsibilities with the utmost sense of patriotism, professionalism and integrity.
“Your investigation demands impartiality and fairness, always keeping the public interest and the welfare of our nation at the forefront.
“We must leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth. Therefore, conduct thorough inquiries and dig out information that will assist the Senate in making laws for the betterment of our country.”
The 17-member committee, with Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District as Chairman, was charged to be confidential and keep their investigations away from the prying eyes of journalists.
The Chairman of the Committee, Jibrin Isah, assured the commitment of the panel to the task given to them.
Isah emphasised that they would not compromise their responsibility given the interest of Nigerians on what happened to the N30 trillion Ways and Means.
The inauguration of the Committee was witnessed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; the Auditor-General of the Federation, Shaakaa Chira; the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha, beneficiary ministries, departments and agencies and institutions.
Meanwhile, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, wrote in his X handle ‘‘The Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, on Monday the 11th of March, 2024, inaugurated the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Ways and Means.
‘‘The committee Chaired by Senator Isah Jibrin, and whose membership includes myself, was tasked with the mandate of investigating the release of ₦30 trillion by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the previous administration.
‘‘The Senate President described the constitution of the committee as a testament to the Senate’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He also urged the members to approach the assignment with the utmost sense of patriotism, professionalism and integrity.’’
