Akpabio Inaugurates Panel to Probe N30tn Ways and Means Advances Under Buhari

•Edun, Cardoso, MDAs’ chiefs in attendance

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, inaugurated the Ad-hoc Committee to probe the N30 trillion Ways and Means advances under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate President asked the Committee to investigate the N30 trillion which was released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fund projects under Buhari’s administration.

The fund which passed through the National Assembly was without details despite the commitment of the executive arm of government to do so.

The inauguration of the Committee was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; the Auditor-General of the Federation, Shaakaa Chira; the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha, beneficiary ministries, departments and agencies and institutions.

In his inaugural address, the Senate President urged the Committee members to be impartial, non-compromising and confidential in handling the affairs of the committee.

The Committee was set up following the adoption of a resolution of the Senate Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations.

Akpabio said the 10th Senate believes in transparency, accountability and good governance, adding that the Committee should prove their commitments as Nigerians were agitating to know how the huge sums of money were utilised.

The 17-member committee with Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District as Chairman, were charged to be confidential and keep their investigations away from the prying eyes of journalists.

Akpabio 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 concerns of the Nigerian people and upholding the principles of democracy.

“To 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. Therefore, conduct thorough inquiries and dig out information that will assist the Senate in making laws for the betterment of our country.”

The Chairman of the Committee, Jibrin Isah, assured the commitment of the panel to the task given to them.

He emphasised that they would not compromise their responsibility given the interest of Nigerians on what happened to the N30 trillion Ways and Means.