The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has vehemently denied the reported indictment of the Chief Executive Officers of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in an alleged fraud case. Speaking on behalf of the 10th House, Agbese clarified that the House of Representatives is guided by rules and regulations, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption had earlier summoned the Managing Director of REA, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, based on allegations of a multi-billion-naira fraud that occurred under his watch. This summons was in response to a petition filed by the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), which accused the Ahmad-led management team of several improprieties, including a N1.5 billion fraud in the electricity agency.
Mr. Ahmad, alongside approximately 15 others, appeared before the investigative Committee chaired by Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu to address allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of public funds.
Contrary to public perception, Hon. Agbese emphasized that the House of Representatives is intended to represent the interests of all Nigerians. During a press briefing following the plenary session on Tuesday, he stated the importance of hearing the accused individuals’ side of the story and conducting a fair and impartial investigation before forming an opinion or passing judgement.
Hon. Agbese further explained, “The 10th House of Representatives, under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is a House that operates within the confines of rules and regulations. We have established procedures, similar to other Parliaments around the world, to ensure that issues raised are thoroughly considered, and justice is duly served.”
Regarding the TETFund allegations, Hon. Agbese clarified that the Committee responsible for investigating the issue had completed its investigation and submitted its report. He asserted that the report clearly indicated that TETFund was not indicted in any form.
Addressing the issue of the Rural Electrification Agency, Hon. Agbese explained that petitions were raised by members of the society, some of which were directly sent to public accounts and relevant oversight committees. He emphasized that the House of Representatives is not eager to tarnish anyone’s reputation for merely performing their duties as directed by the President.
“In the case of the REA Managing Director,” Hon. Agbese added, “he has appeared before these committees, cleared himself before the Public Account Committee, and other committees, including those on anti-corruption and crimes. If an individual can present their scorecard and demonstrate their innocence before Parliament, then there is no basis for further scrutiny.”
He highlighted the principle of not judging a case based on only one party’s account and stressed the importance of considering both sides in any issue. Hon. Agbese expressed the House’s alignment with the majority of Nigerians who believe that the REA Managing Director has performed commendably in his role assigned by the President, stating, “We want to assure Nigerians that we are not on a witch-hunt. We are here to serve all Nigerians.”
