Posted by From: ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Abuja on
The Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations respectively have summoned both the ministers in the Ministry of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mrs Nenadi Usman, CBN Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, DG, Budget, NNPC GMD and the chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMARF), to appear before it by noon next Thursday, to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal withdrawal from the Federation account by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations respectively have summoned both the ministers in the Ministry of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mrs Nenadi Usman, CBN Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, DG, Budget, NNPC GMD and the chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMARF), to appear before it by noon next Thursday, to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal withdrawal from the Federation account by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
They are equally, collectively or individually expected to say what they know about the real status of the country's external reserve.
Addressing journalists Thursday shortly after the meeting of the committees, the chairmen of the committees, Senators Bob Effiong and Abubakar Maikafi disclosed that they had reviewed the motion, as referred to them by the Senate last Thursday and agreed to summon all those involved to defend themselves, adding that the mover of the motion, Senator Farouk Bello would be put in the witness box to lead his evidence.
Incidentally, Senator Bello, mover of the motion is a member of the Finance Committee.
The Senate had last Thursday ordered its committees on Finance and Appropriation to probe the allegation of illegal withdrawal by the president from the Federation account.
The Senate's decision was sequel to a motion brought before it by Senator Farouk Bello, who among other things alleged that the monies used by the president to service the Paris Club debt and the power sector reform project were never appropriated for, by the Senate.