Akpabio Inaugurates Ad-hoc Committee To Probe N30 Trillion Ways And Means

The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee on Ways and Means.

The Ad-hoc Committee is charged with investigating the release of N30 trillion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fund projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The fund that passed through the National Assembly was without details, despite the commitment of the Executive Branch of government to do so.

In his address, while inaugurating the committee on Monday, the Senate President urged the committee members to be impartial, non-compromising, and confidential in handling the affairs of the committee.

The committee followed the adopted 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 are agitating to know how the huge sums of money were used.

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The 17-member committee, with Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District as chairman, was charged to be confidential and to keep their investigations away from the prying eyes of journalists.

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 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.”

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While thanking the Senate President, the Chairman of the Committee, Jibrin Isah, assured the commitment of the panel to the task given to them.

He emphasised that they will not compromise their responsibility, given the interest of Nigerians in what happened to the N30 trillion ways and means.

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.