The Nigerian Senate on Monday rescinded its earlier resolution calling for the immediate removal of Hussain Ishaq Magaji, Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), after he appeared before lawmakers and tendered an apology for his repeated absence from legislative hearings.
The decision followed Magaji’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Sani Musa. Just days earlier, the committee had threatened to recommend his removal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing persistent failure to honour invitations — a move lawmakers said undermined their constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Tensions had peaked during last Thursday’s 2026 budget defence session when senators described Magaji’s absence as an affront to the legislature. Orji Uzor Kalu had moved a motion urging the President to terminate Magaji’s appointment and even called for a warrant to compel his attendance. The motion was seconded by Adams Oshiomhole, who also proposed that the CAC’s 2026 budget allocation be withheld pending a satisfactory explanation.
At Monday’s session, however, the atmosphere shifted as Magaji appeared in person.
“You will send a junior officer to meet with the Senate or the federal government. That’s not acceptable,” Senator Musa said, expressing frustration over earlier absences. “The Constitution grants us oversight powers over all revenue-generating agencies. At our last sitting, the committee recommended removal, but you appeared shortly after our pronouncement. We want an explanation.”
In response, Magaji offered an unreserved apology, attributing his absence to miscommunication and logistical delays.
“Mr. Chairman, I sincerely apologise to the committee. I was returning from Lagos and asked my team to inform the committee ahead of time. Unfortunately, I arrived late. We have now created a dedicated liaison office to handle interactions with the National Assembly. I assure you this will not happen again. I take full responsibility and hold this committee in high esteem,” he said.
Several senators accepted the apology. Dicket Plang urged colleagues to grant the CAC chief a second chance, while Yahaya Abdullahi warned that disregard for legislative summons must never recur.
A motion to rescind the earlier recommendation for his removal — moved by Isah Jibrin and seconded by Nasir Zango — was unanimously adopted.
Reaffirming the legislature’s authority, Senator Musa declared:
“The National Assembly is above everyone else. The Constitution empowers this institution to hold the President and other officeholders accountable, including impeachment if necessary. No one should take this committee for granted.”
The committee concluded that Magaji’s apology and the establishment of a liaison office sufficiently addressed their concerns, while reiterating the CAC’s obligation to ensure transparency in revenue inflows and operational expenditures.
The episode highlights the Senate’s balancing act between asserting its constitutional oversight powers and upholding due process — a pointed reminder that public officeholders are answerable to parliamentary scrutiny.
Senate Backs Down on Sack Threat After CAC Registrar-General’s Apology
