Non- Remittance of Revenue: Speaker inaugurates C’ttee to consolidate fund
By Tom Okpe
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Abbas Tajudeen has inaugurated Ad’hoc Committee to investigate disposal of Public Assets by Agencies of Government and Illegalities associated with the exercise, Non-Remittance of Revenue accrued to the consolidated Revenue Fund.
The Committee, led by Prof Julius Ihonvbere, was constituted, sequel to a motion, moved at plenary before the House proceeded on its recess, sought to investigate illegal auctioning of properties in the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigeria Railway Corporation, River Basin Development Authority, and the Nigerian Customs Service.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the Committee Prof Ihonvbere on behalf of the Speaker, Tajudden said the House will be guided by relevant constitutional provisions in carrying out its functions.
“The Committee will rely on relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended), Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, and inherent jurisdiction of the National Assembly in executing its duties.
“We have written letters to all concerned Agencies, requesting information on the subject matter, and many of you did not bother to respond to our letter.
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“We hope to physically visit the Agencies, examine your books, and conduct physical inspection of all public properties acquired to determine the ones sold and procedures adopted for the exercise.
“As representatives of Nigerian people, we will deploy all constitutional means to ensure, we achieve mandate of the House.
“I will drive this process in cooperation with my colleagues to the satisfaction and the expectations of the people.
“In the course of this assignment, we Will look at extant laws including the code of ethics governing the operation of the Public Service.”
Prof Ihonvbere asserted readiness of the House, to adhere to global best practices in the investigation, further expressing confidence in the capacity of committee members to do justice to the legislative assignment.
The Comittee however, summoned six notable Agencies to appear before it and explain their roles in the disposal or auctioning of public assets in their custody.
Ihonvbere had cited provisions of sections 88, 98 and 65 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, (as amended) indicating that; “the National Assembly has the constitutional powers to invite any person or Government Agency, that is in charge, or intended to be in charge of administration of public funds,” adding that; “the parliament has the powers to make laws.”
