“REA MD ABBA ALIYU ON COLLISION COURSE WITH PARLIAMENT OVER N151BN FUNDS “
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–Reps threaten arrest warrant against REA MD Abba Aliyu for failing to account for loans and grants expenditures.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Ogene directed the REA Managing Director to appear in person on Tuesday, March 2, warning that the National Assembly would not tolerate disregard for its constitutional oversight powers.
“We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Ogene said, ordering the Agency to submit a comprehensive written response to issues raised within 48 hours
Key Issues:
– _”We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended”_ – Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Renewable Energy.
– Unaccounted Funds : N151bn government appropriation, $550m World Bank and AfDB grants, and N13bn Rural Electrification Fund.
– _”about N151 billion for solar hybrid mini-grade solar home system and street light from government appropriation was received between 2015 to 2024.”_
– International Grants : $8m from German government and EU for reliable electricity services.
– _”eight million dollar, a grant by the German government and European Union (EU), was received in 2022″_
– No Show : REA MD failed to appear before committee despite multiple invitations, deemed “disrespectful to the legislature”.
– _”The lawmakers, in a resolution… urged the Inspector-General of Police to arrest the managing director if he failed to comply with the ultimatum.”_
Members of the Committee expressed strong displeasure over the MD’s absence, describing it as disrespectful to the legislature.
It will be recalled that the House of Reps Committee on Renewable Energy had on Tuesday 23rd Feb gives REA MD Abba Aliyu 24 hours to account for loans and grants expenditures, or face arrest.
Rep. Kwamoti Laori (Demsa/Numan/Lamurde, Adamawa) warned that such conduct should no longer be condoned, calling for the issuance of a warrant of arrest through the Inspector-General of Police if the directive is not complied with.
Similarly, Rep. Shina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, Oyo) insisted that public officers must account for their stewardship, particularly in light of the substantial public funds and grants managed by the Agency.
Responding on behalf of the Agency, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Gboyega Ayoade, tendered an unreserved apology, stating that the Managing Director’s absence was neither deliberate nor intended as a slight on the Committee. He appealed for additional time to respond to the Committee’s concerns.
About the Author
