The House of Representatives has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, demanding a comprehensive report on the utilization of N100 billion COVID-19 intervention funds. This fund was allocated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies between 2020 and 2022.
Expressing disappointment with the AGF’s failure to comply with the committee’s resolution to submit the report by October 27, 2023, Bamidele Salam, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, issued this ultimatum in Abuja on Wednesday.
The House had assigned the committee to investigate the expenditure related to COVID-19 interventions, particularly from the years 2020 to 2022.
“A letter was sent to the Accountant General, requesting details of all disbursements according to the Appropriation Act and other interventions provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria to MDAs,” Mr. Salam stated. He further added that the committee had not yet received the requested information and emphasized the importance of this document for guiding their investigation.
Consequently, Mr. Salam instructed the AGF to submit the report by Friday, November 3, 2023. The House’s resolution was in response to a motion regarding the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds from 2020 to 2022, which were allocated to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
By setting this ultimatum, the House of Representatives aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the N100 billion COVID-19 intervention funds. Nigerian citizens expect their government to handle public funds with utmost integrity, especially in times of crisis such as the ongoing pandemic. With the report, the House hopes to shed light on any potential mismanagement and hold those responsible accountable.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Accountant General of the Federation, waiting to see if the report will be submitted within the stipulated timeframe. The outcome of this inquiry will not only shape public perception but also have a significant impact on future interventions and the government’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies.
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