SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has instructed the panel members probing the N30 trillion “Ways and Means” loans received by the Federal Government from the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria to leave no stone unturned, stating that the panel must uncover everything regarding the facility.
The panel was also mandated with investigating the CBN’s over N1 trillion Anchor Borrower Programme during the previous administration.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, Akpabio challenged the 17-member Ad-hoc Committee investigating the N30tn loan secured under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari with completing out the exercise within the next six weeks.
Abkpabio also advised parliamentarians to avoid personal and partisan interests, focus on the task at hand, and approach their tasks with maximum balance, devotion, and objectivity.
Recognising the sensitivity of the investigation, Akpabio urged them to regularly interact with important stakeholders and consultants to contribute invaluable insights, while maintaining open lines of communication with the executive and the general public.
He did, however, inform the panel that no portion of the report could be released to the public until the process was completed.
Akpabio said, “Today, we gather here with a common purpose – to inaugurate a crucial Ad-Hoc Committee. This committee, which was constituted following the report of the Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations after interacting with the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team, holds great significance as it is charged with the investigation of the ways and means, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
“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.”
Giving further charge, the senate president said, “The success of this Ad-Hoc committee hinges on collaboration, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to the common good. Let us set aside personal and partisan interests, focusing solely on the task at hand. By working harmoniously, we can ensure that the Ways and Means in Nigeria are managed prudently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.
“Moreover, confidentiality is paramount to your work. The information and data we gather during our investigations are sensitive and must be handled with the utmost care and discretion. Adhering to strict protocols will ensure the security and integrity of the information you uncover.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Jibrin Isah, said the panel would not fail Nigerians on this issue.
He said, “The Ways and Means and the Anchor borrowers programme have occupied the public space in the last few months.
“There have been various distortions; the ways and means have aroused various forms of discussions amongst individuals and groups looking for opinions and interpretations.”
He added he believed Nigerians were waiting for the result of this investigation.
“I want to assure you that we are going to carry out this assignment expeditiously without any form of compromise.
“I want to plead with concerned parties to please make documents available when we request for them in order to make our work easier for us. We are going to do the very best that Nigerians would be very proud of.”
The committee which is led by Senator Jibrin Isah, (APC, Kogi East), has its members as Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South); Mohammed Tahir Monguno, (APC, Borno North); Victor Umeh, (LP, Anambra Central) and Olamilekan Adeola, (APC, Ogun West).
Others are Senators Sani Musa, (APC, Niger East); Aliyu Wadada, (SDP, Nasarawa); Abdul Ningi, (PDP, Bauchi Central) and Ipalibo Banigo Harry, (PDP, Rivers West).
