In a recent development, the Senate has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the presence of the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Ishaq Hussain Magaji (SAN), before the house within 24 hours.
This directive was given during an interactive session with government agencies held in Abuja. The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), emphasized the need for the Inspector-General of Police to intervene, as the CAC Registrar had disregarded the Committee’s invitation for the third time.
The purpose of the invitation was for the Registrar to defend the Commission’s 2024 budget, as some financial discrepancies had been identified in the accounts submitted.
Despite receiving multiple letters of invitation, the CAC officials failed to provide satisfactory reasons for the Registrar’s absence.
Expressing his frustration, Senator Musa underscored the importance of the CAC’s presence during previous Committee proceedings and their failure to address the identified discrepancies.
As the custodian of the Commission’s finances, the Registrar-General’s absence and the levity in addressing the issues raised were viewed with concern. Consequently, Senator Musa invoked Section 89(2) to compel the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the Registrar-General’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance within 24 hours.
This action aims to hold the CAC accountable and shed light on the financial management within the agency. Senator Ifeanyi Uba (YPP, Anambra South) called for punitive measures against the Registrar, emphasizing the need for deterrence.
Additionally, former Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), advised the CAC officials not to return without the Registrar. While urging them to face the scrutiny and explain the agency’s expenditure, Senator Ningi stressed that the CAC Registrar should assume responsibility for the discrepancies.
It is expected that the Inspector-General of Police will ensure the Registrar-General’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance within the stipulated timeframe. This development serves as a strong message that government agencies must be accountable and transparent in their financial management, setting a precedent for enhanced scrutiny of public institutions.
|Vanguard
