By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the Ad-hoc Committee on Ways and Means Advances yesterday.
The Committee is investigating the N30trn sum released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fund projects in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The funds that passed through the National Assembly needed details despite the executive arm of the government’s commitment to provide them.
The inauguration was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; the Auditor-General of the Federation, Shaakaa Chira; the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha; and beneficiary ministries, departments, agencies, and institutions.
In his inaugural address, the Senate President urged the Committee members to be impartial, non-compromising, and confidential when handling the committee affairs.
The Committee was established following the adoption of a resolution by 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 are agitating to know how the vast sums of money were used.
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The 17 committee members, along with Jibrin Isah, who represented Kogi East Senatorial District as chairman, were charged with confidentiality and keeping their investigations away from journalists’ prying eyes.
Akpabio said, “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 the concerns of the Nigerian people and upholding the principles of democracy.
“To the members of this esteemed committee, I implore you to approach your responsibilities with the utmost 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 Chairman of the Committee, Jibrin Isah, assured the panel of their commitment to the task given to them.
He emphasized that they would not compromise their responsibility, given Nigerians’ interest in what happened to the N30trn Ways and Means.
