The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has instructed the panel members probing the N30tn “Ways and Means” loans received from the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria by the Federal Government 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 on Monday 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 stated, “Today, we come here for a shared purpose: to inaugurate a critical Ad-Hoc Committee. This committee, which was formed in response to the report of the Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations after consulting with the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team, is significant because it is charged with investigating the ways and means, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
“The formation of this committee demonstrates the Senate’s consistent commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. It illustrates our commitment to resolving Nigerians’ issues while respecting democratic ideals.
“I implore the members of this esteemed committee to approach their responsibilities with the utmost patriotism, professionalism, and integrity.” Your investigation requires objectivity and fairness, with the public interest and well-being of our country always at the forefront. In our search of the truth, we must investigate every possible avenue. As a result, undertake thorough investigations and gather evidence that will aid the Senate in creating laws for the benefit of our country.”
The senate president added, “The success of this Ad-Hoc committee depends on collaboration, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.” Let us leave aside our personal and partisan interests and concentrate only on the task at hand. By working together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s Ways and Means are managed responsibly, efficiently, and in conformity with the law.
“Moreover, secrecy is critical to your work. The information and data gathered during our investigations are sensitive and must be treated with extreme caution and discretion. Adhering to tight rules will protect the security and integrity of the information you discover.”
Meanwhile, Jibrin Isah, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, stated that the panel will not fail Nigerians on this subject.
He stated, “The Ways and Means Committee and the Anchor Borrowers Programme have dominated the public discourse in recent 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 stated that he felt Nigerians were awaiting the outcome of this probe.
“I want to guarantee you that we will do this task quickly and without any compromise.
“I would like to recommend that relevant parties make papers available to us when we seek them in order to make our work easier. We will try our utmost to make Nigerians proud.”
Senator Jibrin Isah (APC, Kogi East) leads the committee, which includes 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 include Senators Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Aliyu Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa), Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), and Ipalibo Banigo Harry (PDP, Rivers West).