Agbese: House Did Not Indict REA, TETfund CEOs
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, yesterday cleared the air on the alleged indictment of the Chief Executive Officers of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Ahmad Salihijo and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund),
While addressing journalists in Abuja, Agbese stated that the House will always give everyone fair hearing and do its due diligence before forming a balanced opinion on issues.
The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, in a letter dated October 11, 2023, had summoned the Managing Director of REA, Salihijo, over an alleged multi-billion-naira fraud perpetrated under his watch.
The summons followed a petition by a Civil Society Group, Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), alleging the perpetration of several improprieties by the REA management team, including a purported N1.5 billion fraud in the agency.
The managing director then appeared before the Kayode Akiolu-led investigative committee, on allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy and diversion of public funds levelled against him and about 15 others.
“We have our procedures, like every other parliament across the world, so when issues are raised, they are to be considered meticulously and of course, we will always ensure that justice is done.
“For instance, you mentioned the issue of Tetfund. The committee on Tetfund had actually done its investigation. They have submitted their report and those of you who have access to the report, can see that the Tetfund was not indicted in any way.
“You mentioned the issue of REA, petitions were raised by members of the society, some of these petitions were directly sent to public account, public petition and even the committee responsible for the oversight of that agency
“For us in the 10th Assembly, we are not desperate to criminalise any individual for doing his or her duty as directed by Mr. President. I think in the case of the REA MD, he has been able to appear before these individuals (committees), he has cleared himself before the public account, he has cleared himself before other committees like, anti-corruption, crimes and all of that.
“So, if you come with your scorecard and you are able to demonstrate such before parliament that you are not guilty of whatever thing that anybody has raised against you, then it’s fine,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, the House will always adhere to the principle that all parties to an issue must be given fair hearing.
Agbese added that Salihijo has performed well with the responsibility he had been saddled with by the president, pledging that the lawmakers will not ‘witch-hunt’ anyone.
