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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate has reversed its earlier resolution urging President Bola Tinubu to remove the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), following his formal apology and renewed commitment to improve engagement with the National Assembly.
The decision was taken on Monday by the Senate Committee on Finance, which last Thursday had recommended Magaji’s removal after he repeatedly failed to honour its invitations. The committee had accused him of persistent absence and of sending junior officials in his stead, actions it described as a breach of legislative oversight protocol.
At Monday’s session, however, the committee softened its stance after Magaji appeared in person, expressed remorse, and announced the establishment of a dedicated liaison office to strengthen communication between the commission and the National Assembly.
A motion to rescind the earlier resolution was moved by Senator Jibrin Isa (Kogi East) and seconded by Senator Nasir Musa Zango Daura (Katsina North), paving the way for the reversal. Before the motion was considered, the committee chairman sharply rebuked the CAC boss for his previous conduct, stressing that the panel was deeply dissatisfied with his repeated failure to appear.
“This committee is not happy with you for your persistent refusal to appear before it in the past or sending junior officers to it. That’s not acceptable,” he said. “The Constitution grants us oversight powers over all revenue-generating agencies. At our last sitting, the committee recommended your removal, but you appeared shortly after our pronouncement. We want an explanation.”
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In response, Magaji offered an unreserved apology, attributing his earlier absences to communication lapses, which he said had now been addressed through the creation of a liaison office dedicated to legislative relations.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Moved by the show of contrition, several committee members appealed for leniency. Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) said he had known Magaji for many years as a respectful, committed and patriotic Nigerian who would not deliberately disrespect the Senate or the National Assembly.
Similar pleas were made by Senators Ned Nwoko and Jibrin Isa. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who had initially moved the motion for Magaji’s removal last week, also joined in urging the committee to withdraw it.
The chairman subsequently put the motion to rescind the earlier resolution to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved by members.
However, the committee declined to consider the CAC’s presentations on its 2024 and 2025 budget proposals, describing the submissions as inadequate. Magaji was directed to return on Thursday with a more comprehensive presentation.
