The Senate Ad hoc Committee, tasked with investigating the expenditure of a 30 trillion naira Ways and Means facility utilized between 2015 and 2023 during the previous administration, has affirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Senator Isah Jibrin, the Committee’s Chairman representing Kogi East, addressed reports circulating online (excluding Channels Television) on Monday. He refuted claims that the investigation, which commenced in March 2024, had stalled.
Senator Jibrin clarified that although the committee was initially given six weeks to conduct the inquiry and submit its findings to the Senate following its inauguration in March, the complexity and sensitivity of the task necessitated an extension beyond the stipulated timeframe.
The lawmaker said, “The essence of an investigation is to come up with factual findings and not just roll in report within specified time frame. Investigation on the 30 trillion naira Ways and Means is on course and not in anyway in limbo as insinuated by an online platform.”
The committee chairman disclosed that required findings have been carried out, evident in a letter of reminder recently written to the office of Accountant General of the Federation.
In the letter of reminder dated 19th June, 2024, Senator Jibrin indicated that the committee requested for additional information on Ways and Means but was yet to receive any response.
“The required information include, details of disbursements under Ways and Means, names of the beneficiaries, amount and date of disbursements, purpose of the disbursements, terms of the disbursement (where applicable), repayment schedule (where applicable) and adherence to the repayment schedule,” the statement read.