***Probe must remain confidential, Akpabio cautions
The recklessness in the misuse of N30 trillion Ways and Means taken by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is about to be uncovered
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Monday, formally gave the nod for the panel to commence an investigation into the matter as it inaugurated a 17-member Ad-Hoc Committee led by Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East) to conduct the probe.
But the upper legislative chamber is being careful against the temptation of descending into dirty political arena that may pitch the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration against his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
When the Senate debated the matter a fortnight ago, many Senators opposed the idea of probing the N30 trillion Ways and Means.
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, was very categorical when he said that the most crucial issue to address at the moment is the rising cost of living in the country.
But President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, while inaugurating the panel of Monday, charged the it to exercise utmost caution in its investigation particularly in keeping its findings secret.
“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” Akpabio said.
He 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.
He charged the committee to conduct thorough inquiries and dig out information that will assist the Senate in making laws for the betterment of the country.
“In carrying out your mandate, it is imperative that you engage with relevant stakeholders, experts, and organizations. Their valuable insights and perspectives will strengthen the credibility and comprehensiveness of your findings and recommendations. I urge you to remain open to constructive inputs and feedback, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of others to achieve your collective goal” Akpabio further stated.
Chairman of the committee, Isah Jibrin, noted that Ways and Means and the Anchor Borrowers Program have occupied the public space in the last few months .
“There have been discussions. They have aroused various discussions amongst individuals and groups with various opinions and interpretations.
According to Jibrin, “the implication of this is that Nigerians are 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 that I can assure you.”
He implored beneficiaries of that program (Ways and Means) to make available to the committee relevant documents when we come asking for them. I equally want to implore them to make themselves available when ever we call them to make our work easy for us. I assure you that we are going to do our very best”
End