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Tag: Reps

  • Reps considering bills to establish 47 new federal universities, 56 FMC

    Reps considering bills to establish 47 new federal universities, 56 FMC

    The 10th House of Representatives (Reps) has passed for second reading bills seeking to establish not less than 47 new federal universities in various states of the federation in its first six months.

    The House has also passed for second reading not less than 56 bills to establish Federal Medical Centres (FMC) in various parts of the country.

    The Nation’s findings revealed that the bills are part of about 962 bills which were passed by the House for first reading in the last six months since its inauguration.

    The House is also considering various bills to establish about 32 Federal Colleges of Education, 11 Federal Colleges of Agriculture and Five Federal Polytechnics in addition to the already existing institutions.

    Currently, there are 45 Federal Universities, 22 Federal Medical centres, 27 Federal Colleges of Education and 40 Polytechnics across the country.

    The Nation discovered that some of the bills which were passed during the 9th Assembly, but either did not get concurrence. The Senate or not signed by the President have either been reconsidered and passed or are. Currently awaiting consideration by the House.

    Several others are awaiting a debate on the general principles and passage for a second reading when the House resumes from its Christmas break.

    The universities being considered include conventional universities, Universities of Science and Technology, Universities of Agriculture, Universities of Medical Science, Universities of Sport, and Aviation among others.

    In addition to these institutions, the House is considering various bills to establish colleges of vocational and skill acquisition, colleges of entrepreneurial studies, and Cancer research centres among others.

    A study of the House order paper listing the institutions and other bills under consideration revealed that Lagos State for example has requested for the establishment of three new Federal Medical Centres in addition to the already existing one.

    While addressing members of the House before embarking on the Christmas break, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen disclosed that the House received and considered nine hundred and sixty-two (962) bills, five hundred (500) Motions, and one hundred and fifty-three (153) petitions in six months.

    The Speaker said that of these numbers, one hundred and Twenty (120) bills have passed the Second Reading stage and are currently undergoing further review and refinement to address some of the concerns raised during the debates.

    He said further that another one hundred and twenty-two (120) bills have been referred to committees for in-depth analysis.

    He said: “We have also successfully passed many other bills, which have been transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

    “Notable among these bills are the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Oath Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023.

    Read Also: Reps speaker Abbas commissions 80 bed-room general hospital in Lagos

    “Other critical bills passed by the House include the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023, Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2023, Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023, Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Nigerian Medical Research Council (Establishment) Bill, 2023, Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill, 2023 and more recently, the South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023.

    “The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2023 that we passed was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 23rd November, 2023.

    “It repealed the 1964 legislation and replaced it with a more contemporary legislation that empowers the Defence Corporation to manufacture, store and dispose of ordinance. All these bills are intended to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to the challenges that have plagued our society.

    “Through these bills, we aim to empower our citizens, enhance social justice, promote economic growth, and promote peace and security.”

  • Reps approve securitization of N7.388 Ways and Means

    Reps approve securitization of N7.388 Ways and Means

    The House of Representatives on Saturday considered and passed the securitisation of outstanding 7.388trn debit balance (Ways and Means) in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) following a request by President Bola Tinubu.

    President Tinubu, in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, said while the federal government is considering various measures to forestall the use of Ways and Means advances for domestic debt servicing, it has become highly imperative to securitize the outstanding ways and means advanced to the FGN, before the end of the year 2023.

    Tinubu said the securitization of the Ways and Means will lead to the realization of many benefits.

    The letter reads: “I write to draw the kind attention of the House of Representatives to the provisions of Section 38 of the subsisting Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN)’s Act 2007, which stipulates that the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the federal government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue. provided such overdraft do not surpass five percent of the government’s revenue from the previous year.

    “The House is invited to note that, from available information by the CBN, the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) stood at N7,388,696,034,520.87 as at December 11 2023. largely due to domestic debt servicing, principal and interest

    “While the Federal Government is considering various measures to forestall the use of ways and means advances for domestic debt servicing, it has become highly imperative to securitize the outstanding ways and means advanced to the FGN, before the end of the year 2023 The securitization of the “Ways and Means will lead to the realization of the following benefits amongst others.

    Read Also: Nigeria: Time to cancel existing stock of ways and means?

    “a) Reduction of Debt Service Cost, as the Interest Rate for the securitized ways and means advances is lower at 9% p.a compared to MPR-3%

    “b) The savings arising from the much lower Interest Rate could help to reduce the deficit in the Budget

    “c) Improvement in debt transparency as securitized Ways and Means Advances are included in the public debt statistics.

    “In view of the foregoing the House of Representatives is invited to kindly consider and approve the securitization of the outstanding debit balance of N7,388,696,034,520.87 in the CRF as at December 11, 2023.”

  • Rename Reps wing of NASS Complex after Na’Abba, Anyim tells FG

    Rename Reps wing of NASS Complex after Na’Abba, Anyim tells FG

    The federal government has been asked to honour the memory of a former speaker of the Reps, Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba, by renaming of the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex after him.

    Former president of the Senate and one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, made the suggestion on Thursday, December 28, in a tribute he penned to mourn Na’Abba, described his death as a national tragedy and a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

    Senator Anyim revealed in the tribute that former colleagues of Na’Abba, who were presiding officers of the 4th National Assembly, had met just a week before his death and planned to pool resources together to fly him abroad for further medical care.

    Anyim, who recalled his working relationship and camaraderie he shared with the departed Speaker, said he worked with Na’Abba to set many of the structures of the Nigerian legislature, which was just being re-established after a 16 years interregnum, in place.

    Speaking of the attempt by his former colleagues at saving Na’Abba, Anyim said “on December 19, 2023, the former presiding officers of the National Assembly met and decided that we should all meet the next day at the National Hospital to review the situation of our former colleague and see how we can all contribute in any way to his speedy recovery. We did convene and decided that as soon as he was stabilized, every plan should be expedited to transfer him abroad for further medical assistance.

    “Sadly, on the 27th of December, 2023, the tragic news of his death broke, leaving little time to seek additional medical assistance. Hon. Ghali’s death is a national tragedy and a setback to our democratic progress.

    “Today my associate, my friend and my brother, Ghali Umar Na’ abba is no more. I lost a friend, the nation lost a patriot, and his family lost a loving and caring father but God receives in heaven an honest and compassionate soul. 

    “In remembrance of the pioneer work Hon. Ghali accomplished in the House of Representatives, it maybe needful to name the House of Representative Wing of the National Assembly Complex as Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba’s Wing”, he said.

    Speaking about the working and fraternal relationships he shared with Na’Abba, he said “when Hon. Ghali was selected as the Speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to meet him at the 4th National Assembly. Later, I was elected as the 3rd President of the 4th Senate. 

    “To put it mildly, it was extremely difficult for both of us to lead the National Assembly during the period when democracy was restored following a 16-year absence of parliamentary institutions in Nigeria. We soon concluded that to accomplish the task at hand, we would need to collaborate closely.

    “To re-establish all democratic institution by legislation, we needed to redefine the executive and legislative branches relationship and sought to ensure the

    independence of the legislature. Locally, the National Assembly members lacked offices, budgeting procedures, House and Senate rules, and rules governing their remuneration. 

    “At the global level, we had to rejoin and become members of important international parliamentary organizations, such as the African Parliamentary Union (APU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and International Parliamentary Union (IPU), among others. 

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    “In the year 2000, we were at the forefront of the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament in Bamako, Mali. My work with Hon. Ghali as leaders of the 4th National Assembly was actually to lay the foundation upon which the subsequent National Assembly could build.

    “I recall with a sense of credit to Hon. Ghali how he worked with me to develop the brief for the scope and design of the new wings of the National Assembly Complex for Julius Berger Nig. Plc, it was nights of no sleep for several months. I remember, with sufficient patriotism, how Ghali and I got together to decide on the Senate’s and the House of Representatives participation ratio in the international parliamentary bodies. 

    “I will always be grateful to Ghali for supporting me during my difficult Senate tenure. I respect Ghali’s courage and convictions, and I acknowledge with due sense of humility his sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. His rare insight and intellect are enviable and admirable”, he said.

    He expressed his condolences to the past and present leadership of the National Assembly, Na’Abba’s immediate family and the entire nation.

  • Reps propose semester-based fee paying system introduced in tertiary institutions

    Reps propose semester-based fee paying system introduced in tertiary institutions

    The House of Representatives (Reps) has called for the introduction of semester-based school fee payment system for tertiary institutions in the country as part of efforts to lessen the financial burden on students and their parents. 

    The House asked the Federal Ministry of Education to work closely with institutions and other stakeholders in the education sector to provide the necessary support for adopting the school fee payment system. 

    While adopting a motion on notice sponsored by Hon. Sa’ad Wada Taura, the House asked its education related committees to find out the viability of adopting a semester-based school fee payment system while considering the specific needs and circumstances of each institution. 

    Hon. Taura said there was an increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient education financing models in the nation’s Tertiary institutions. 

    According to him, the current annual school fee payment system in Nigeria presents financial challenges for students and families given the recent subsidy removal and single-window forex policy. 

    He said adopting a semester based school fee payment system for tertiary institutions has ultimate benefit to both the students and their parents.

    Read Also: Reps to probe N11m discrepancies in JAMB remittances to CRF

    He stressed that some nternational universities, including the University of California and the University of Sydney, recently implemented semester-based fee payment systems to maximize financial convenience and reduce the strain on students and parents. 

    He said that adopting the payment system can minimize the financial strain on students, improve access to higher education, and create a more transparent financial structure for institutions.

  • Reps panel seeks waivers for contractors handling power projects

    Reps panel seeks waivers for contractors handling power projects

    The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, December 19, urged the federal government to issue Value Added Tax (VAT) and Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) waivers to contractors handling critical power projects across the country.

    The PAC chairman, Hon Bamidele Salam, said this during the resumed investigative hearing into the ‘Accelerated Transmission-Distribution Interface Transmission Lines/Sub-stations’ contracts worth $231,004,002.8 and N18,264,411,235.66 awarded since 2015.

    Briefing the committee, representatives of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the contractors had said all the contracts have a great offshore components since the giant transformers are to be sourced from outside Nigeria.

    A member of the committee, Hon. Adelegbe Oluwatimehin, observed that the issue had become troubling and urgent step needed to be taken to rescue the power sector from the bad situation it is grappling with.

    Another member, Hon. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi solicited for the House’s intervention to the committee in a manner that will ensure the completion of the projects, which he said, have already suffered so much delay. 

    The Chairman, Hon Salam further wondered why the TCN did not approach other regulatory agencies and stakeholders to support them in getting waivers for the equipment that are trapped in transit especially at the seaports.

    Read Also: EFCC confirms arrest of ex-power minister Agunloye

    “There is no doubt that there have been administrative lapses. No doubt, I went through the letter and actually pointed that out to him earlier.

    “If you read the letter you will see that these are part of the things that affects our institutions.

    “There are things that need to be done timeously. There are ways of doing things especially in the National Assembly as an institution.

    “I wish agencies know that the powers of the institution and are able to leverage on such powers and influence to get so many things done.

    “You have Committee on Power which oversights the TCN, I suppose and all other agencies.

    “If you had approached them all these years, I am sure they would have taken steps to ensure that you get the waivers extended to cover both the IEDC and the VAT components of your projects. But apparently, all those things were not done.

    “We are now in a situation where we have to clear that mess.

    “We are clearing that mess because, the Federal Government under His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu has made the issue of power a very central point of his priority programs.

    “Ours is to make sure that we also support the delivery of that vision. And there is no way it can be delivered if this one is not sorted out.

    “Because we are talking about major transformers and other hardwares that will be installed in various places to ensure that we have a better transmission and distribution of power,” he said. 

  • Reps to investigate disbursement of funds for out of school children

    Reps to investigate disbursement of funds for out of school children

    The House of Representatives (Reps) on Tuesday, December 19, jordered an investigation into the  disbursement of funds meant to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria through the Alternate School Programme (ASP), Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P) to ascertain the role played by the various MDAs concerned. 

    This followed the adoption of a motion on notice by Hon. Tijani Kayode Ismail at plenary presided over by Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. 

    Hon. Kayode said the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria remains a persistent challenge, despite efforts from the Nigerian government, International Development Partners, and Non-governmental organizations. 

    He said that in 2022, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ranked Nigeria third among countries with the highest number of out-of-school children recording almost 20 million Nigerian children that are out of school. 

    He said further that in October 2019, the Ministry of Education confirmed that the Federal Government committed the sum of N10,000,000,000 for the removal of 10.2 million out-of-school children from the streets within five years to enrol two million children annually. 

    On 31 January 2022, he said, the Federal Government adopted the then Presidential Committee on Alternate Education report and renewed its commitment to provide educational opportunities for over 10 million out-of-school children through the Alternate School Programme (ASP) under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Over 200 billion Naira was allocated for the initiative. 

    According to him, the Alternate School Programme was an initiative of the Federal Government aimed at improving access to education for Nigerian children, eliminating or substantially reducing child begging, fostering tolerance, unity, and integration of all children with diverse backgrounds, and reviewing and approving all work and implementation plans that enhanced the effective delivery of providing alternative schooling in Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Reps to IGP: Promote officers recommended by PSC

    He said a similar intervention by the World Bank worth 750Million USD was accessed and utilised within the last four years through Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) for the enrollment of out-of-school Children in Nigeria. 

    He also said that in 2021, the Federal government introduced the At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P), requiring hundreds of billions of Naira in expenditure. 

    He expressed regrets that despite the Federal government’s efforts and the release of funds for the execution of the program, the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria continues to increase rapidly. 

    He said the misuse of Alternate School Programme funds to reduce out-of-school children in Nigeria has negatively impacted these schemes, leaving many children unschooled. 

  • Reps to revolutionalise science, engineering, technological innovations 

    Reps to revolutionalise science, engineering, technological innovations 

    The House of Representatives said on Monday, December 18, that it is prepared to chart a new course that will propel the country into a new heights in science, engineering and technological innovation.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Science Engineering, one of the newly created Committees, Hon. Inuwa Garba, 

    who spoke t the inaugural meeting of the committee that the House attached importance to a technology and engineering driven economy. 

    He however said the success of the Committee will be measured not just by the policies it initiated, but by the tangible results made out of them that will impact on Nigerians.

    Hon Garba said: “The creation of the Committee underscores the importance the leadership of the 10th National Assembly attached to the need to recognize the era of technological and engineering-driven economy that every other sector largely depends on for science and technological growth.

    “Such dependence also provides for advancement in research and development, innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity enhancement and managing environmental issues that determine economic progress and promotion of sustainable development.

    “In keeping with the Legislative Agenda of the House of Representatives which amongst others provides for: strengthening good governance, Economic development and growth, and Environmental sustainability and climate change, the Committee on Science Engineering is further charged with the responsibility of navigating the complex intersection of science and engineering, ensuring that our nation strides confidently into a future shaped by innovation and progress. 

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    “I am aware of the weight of this responsibility and expectations therefrom. In this sector, our actions bear profound implications for the trajectory of our nation because we stand at the forefront of technological advancements and our decisions will naturally impact on the generations to come. This is a responsibility we accept with humility and dedication. 

    “As we embark on this auspicious journey that will see us writing our names in the sands of time, | urge you, my colleagues, to present your expertise, passion and commitment to the activities of the committee. 

    “Definitely, our diversity of skills and perspectives will be our strength while our working together will surely make navigation of the challenges much easier. 

    “To cap it all, we are tasked with the constitutional responsibility that demands diligence, accountability and a keen understanding of the landscape of science and engineering. Let us strive to leave the scene better than we found it and posterity will bequeath to us a pride of place.”

    He assured that the committee saddled with the parliamentary responsibility of over-sighting the agencies, shall do well to encourage the agencies to steadily support scientific research towards economic growth of the nation. 

    These agencies include: Sheda Science and Technology (SHESTCO), Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, National Centre for Technology Management, National Science Laboratory Technology Agency, and Nigeria Council for Food Science Technology.

    He also said that the committee’s plans to “encourage the conduct of essential studies, discover new knowledge and develop innovative solutions to existing problems. 

    He stated: “In partnering with you, we shall strive to initiate supportive policies and regulations aimed at fostering the enabling environment where scientists can explore and experiment freely to proffer solutions leading to development. 

    “Similarly, in our budget consideration of the MDAs, we shall consider making cases for adequate budget allocations to shore up the government investments in the sector. Obviously, apart from adequately providing for aggressive revolution required in the sector, this will help to address the ugly consequences of brain drain and migration of skilled and qualified persons to other climes. 

    “In achieving these, the committee is well positioned to collaborate with the MDAs and stakeholders in the sector to give the desired lifeline to the sector and promote economic growth. This synergy will allow for exchange of knowledge, resources and expertise as well as fostering of innovation and development of new technologies.”

  • Reps vows to monitor probe of military drone attack

    Reps vows to monitor probe of military drone attack

    The House of Representatives (Reps) says it will monitor the investigation of the military drone attack that led to the death of over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State last week Sunday.

    The chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, said this in a statement titled: ‘Tundun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow’, made available to reporters in Abuja on Saturday.

    While expressing regrets over the ugly incident, Hon. Benson offered condolences to the Government of Kaduna and the families of the victims.

    He tasked authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations, exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sombre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians.

    “The House of Representatives Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.

    “The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. 

    “We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.

    “Additionally, commendation is extended to the various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.

    “This incident underscores the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.

    “The House Committee on Defence takes this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations, exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    He added: “In our thorough examination of this incident, the Committee acknowledges the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.

    “We express commendation for the dedication and sacrifice exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of our nation.

    Read Also: 2024 budget: Reps reject CBN, Customs representatives, demand heads’ appearance

    “It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.

    “The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

    “We remain committed to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their efforts to secure the nation and protect its citizens.

    “Once again I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to the affected families in Tudun Biri, the people, and the government of Kaduna state, during this difficult time.”

  • Reps will demand accountability from security agencies, says Abbas

    Reps will demand accountability from security agencies, says Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said on Thursday, December 7, that the House will demand more accountability from the security agencies on the performance of their statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation.

    The speaker also said that the House will always emphasise the judicious use of the funds allocated to the security agencies and ensure that it yields far-reaching results in the fight against terrorism and insurgency amongst other issues within the security sector.

    Speaker Abbas spoke at the opening of the international roundtable on “The Role of the Parliament in the Security Sector Governance and Reform in West Africa” organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Abuja.

    Represented by the deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the speaker acknowledged the security challenges facing many countries in the West African sub-region, pointing out that addressing the issues will require inputs from the legislature.

    Read Also: Condolence: Shettima, Abbas, Badaru, Ganduje arrive Kaduna

    He said: “In Nigeria, as in many other countries across West Africa, we have witnessed significant challenges in our security landscape. These challenges range from terrorism and insurgency to transnational organized crime, border security issues, and internal conflicts.

    “Addressing these complex security threats requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only the executive branch but also the active arm of participation and oversight by the legislative government.

    “There is no doubt that the parliament plays a crucial role in security sector governance through its legislative functions. It is responsible for enacting laws that define the mandate and operations of security agencies, as well as laws that protect human rights and ensure accountability within the security sector.

    “Additionally, parliamentary committees dedicated to defence and security issues provide a platform for in-depth scrutiny of security policies and practices.

    “For us in the 10th House of Representatives, The People’s House, our Legislative Agenda seeks to improve accountability in the security sector, such that money budgeted for our security agencies is judiciously used for the purpose it is approved; enhance and improve counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency;  encourage inter-agency collaboration and improved intelligence sharing; innovative police and other paramilitary reforms; and strengthen our internal security arrangement in the National Assembly. If we can achieve these, we will have contributed in no small measure to curbing insecurity”.

    Speaker Abbas also called on the stakeholders to develop specialized training programs for parliamentarians on security-related matters to improve intelligence sharing between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

    “As we deliberate on these issues today, I urge all stakeholders present to consider practical strategies for enhancing parliamentary engagement in security sector governance. This may involve developing specialized training programs for parliamentarians on security-related matters, establishing robust mechanisms for information sharing between security agencies and parliamentary committees, and fostering a culture of dialogue and cooperation between the executive and legislative branches on security policy formulation.”

  • Reps committee expresses anger as INEC fails to appear for Budget defence

    Reps committee expresses anger as INEC fails to appear for Budget defence

    The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 6, expressed displeasure over the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear before it to defend its 2024 budget estimates.

    The chairman of the committee, Hon. Adebayo Balogun said at the budget defence meeting that the commission did not communicate its inability to appear for the budget defence to them.

    He said: “It’s unfortunate that INEC is not here and that is not a good way to start a new administration, especially not when the President gave a matching order that he wants to maintain the January to December budget circle.

    “I don’t know what has caused their inability to be here. I have personally been working to ensure the integrity of INEC which was battered during the last election is restored. This committee is working on reforms that will restore the credibility of the Commission.

    “I want to believe that there will be a genuine reason for their inability to appear before the committee to defend their budget.

    “I learnt that the envelope they were given came to them as a shock because they were given less than what they got last year and that is the more reason why they should have been here.”

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    Before the scheduled 3.00 pm time for the commission to appear for the budget defence, the chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekunmi told The Nation that the scheduled appearance before the committee had been rescheduled for next week.

    In response to a WhatsApp message, he said: “I understand that the appearance has been moved to next week.”

    However, when informed of the anger of the committee members about the non-appearance of the commission, Oyekunmi expressed surprise that the Committee was not aware of why the commission did not appear.

    He said: “That was not our understanding. You know that the chairman does not joke about things like this. I will inform the Chairman about this development.”

    At the time of this report, the Committee went into an executive session to decide the next line of action.