Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has tasked the newly inaugurated panel investigating the N30tn “Ways and Means” loans acquired from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Akpabio urged the panel members not to overlook any detail and to ensure a thorough investigation into the loans and the over N1tn Anchor Borrower Programme of the CBN.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 17-member Ad-hoc Committee in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance in the investigative process. He instructed the committee to complete its task within six weeks while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality throughout the process.
Akpabio emphasized the need for the committee members to focus solely on their responsibilities, shunning personal and partisan interests. He urged them to engage with relevant stakeholders and consultants to gather valuable insights and maintain open lines of communication with the executive and the public.
The Senate President reminded the committee members of the sensitivity of the investigation and cautioned against leaking any aspect of the report until the conclusion of the task. He stressed the importance of patriotism, professionalism, and integrity in carrying out the investigation, emphasizing the commitment to uncovering the truth for the betterment of the nation.
In response to the charge, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Senator Jibrin Isah, assured Nigerians that the committee would diligently carry out its assignment without compromise. He affirmed the committee’s commitment to expeditiously investigate the Ways and Means and the Anchor Borrowers Programme, promising to deliver results that Nigerians would be proud of.
The committee, led by Senator Jibrin Isah, comprises members from various political parties and regions, demonstrating a bipartisan approach to the investigation. With their mandate set and determination evident, Nigerians await the outcome of the probe, expecting transparency, accountability, and actionable recommendations to emerge from the investigation.