From Fred Itua, Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, commenced an investigation into former president, Muhammadu Buhari’s N30 trillion Ways and Means loan, as it inaugurated a 17-member Ad-Hoc Committee to conduct the probe.
When the Senate debated the matter a fortnight ago, many lawmakers opposed the idea of probing the N30 trillion ways and means loan.
Former Senate president, Ahmad Lawan, was categorical when he said the most crucial issue to address at the moment was the rising cost of living in the country.
However, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, while inaugurating the panel, charged it to exercise utmost caution in its investigation, particularly in keeping its findings secret.
He said: “Confidentiality is paramount to your work. The information and data we gathered 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 the constitution of the committee was a testament to the Senate’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
According to him, it reflects dedication to addressing concerns of Nigerian people and upholding the principles of democracy.
Akpabio said the Senate had taken a resolution to look at the issues of the ways and means.
According to him, a request on the expenditure on ways and means fund had been earlier requested by the Senate, saying it was never provided for by the accountant general of the federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.
This, he said, resulted in a major motion that led to a composition of an ad-hoc committee to look at the ways and means, adding that totality of the ways and means issues somehow was connected to the hardship faced by Nigeria at the moment.
Akpabio said it was incumbent on the Senate to look at issues and unbundle the expenditure involved in the ways and means to see how it was utilised.
He said it was for the benefit of the Nigerian people and the Tinubu’s administration.
He said the thorough inquiries were designed to dig out information, and urged members of the committee to approach their responsibilities with 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 success of this ad-hoc committee hinges on collaboration, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
”Let us set aside personal and partisan interests, focusing solely on the task at hand, by working harmoniously, we can ensure the ways and means in Nigeria are managed prudently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.”
Akpabio urged the committee to carry out the investigation by engaging with relevant stakeholders, experts, and organisations on the Ways and Means of expenditure.
He said the valuable insights and perspectives of the stakeholders would strengthen the credibility and comprehensiveness of their 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.
“As you embark on this vital mission, maintain open lines of communication with the public.
“The Nigerian people must be kept informed of your progress and findings, as their trust and confidence in your work are of utmost importance.
“You must demonstrate your dedication to serving our nation with distinction and honour,” Akpabio said.
Chairman of the committee, Isah Jibrin, said Ways and means and the Anchor Borrowers Programme have occupied the public space in the last few months.
“There have been discussions. They have aroused various discussions among individuals and groups with various opinions and interpretations.
The implication of this is that Nigerians are waiting for the result of this investigation. I want to assure you we are going to carry out this assignment expeditiously without any form of compromise that I can assure you,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries of the programme (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 whenever we call them to make our work easy. I assure you we are going to do our very best,” Jibrin said.