Posted by From Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on
The Senate yesterday refuted media reports that it has embarked on the probe of the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The Senate yesterday refuted media reports that it has embarked on the probe of the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
'While it is within its (Senate) constitutional powers to invite any agency of government to answer questions on matters pending before it, we wish to clearly state that neither the EFCC nor the ICPC is currently under scrutiny of the Senate," Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said in a statement yesterday.
Ndoma-Egba noted, 'The two agencies, have, in the estimation of the Senate, lived up to their statutory functions. The upper house of the National Assembly has no cause, at least for now, to question their prudence or exercise of due diligence in the discharge of their duties.
'What the President of the Senate said at the inauguration of the Public Accounts Committee was that, as part of its oversight functions public account is authorized to invite, as partners, experts from EFCC and ICPC who can best assist in explaining technical issues or give clarifications. In the past, experts from agencies such as the Accountant-General's office and the Auditor-General's office have been invited in this way.
'The statement implied that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts has invited experts from the two agencies to come in as partners to help clarify issues or give expert advice on matters within its functional competence so as to help the committee in its functions."
Meanwhile, President Olus-egun Obasanjo has re-appointed Nwadiala Chukwuemeka Wogu, whose tenure in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission expired last July for re-appointment as commissioner representing Abia State in the commission.
Also yesterday, Obasanjo forwarded the names of three career Foreign Service Officers Ambassador O.A. Ashiru (Ogun), Amb. S. Dahiru (Gombe) and Mr. K. R. Garrick for confirmation as ambassadors.