The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has reacted to the absence of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials at today’s opening of the ad hoc committee’s investigation of the alleged termination and dismissal of about 1000 CBN staffers.
He urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the House in its investigation of the alleged forceful retirement of the staff, warning against contravention of relevant laws on accountability.
Abbas gave the advice on Friday, highlighting that the stakeholders under probe include CBN, the Federal Character Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity.
Compliance with the law
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Abbas said that the hearing is aimed at unravelling the truth about the termination and dismissal of the CBN staffers and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.
- He said the investigation borders on transparency, accountability, and fairness among all arms of government and their agencies.
- However, he noticed the absence of CBN staff but advised all stakeholders to note Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the National Assembly the power to summon witnesses to appear and produce documents during investigations as well as order the arrest of non-compliant witnesses.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who have failed to honor the invitation to participate in this hearing.
“I have looked through the room and have not seen a representative during the course of the introduction that came from the key institution in the subject matter of this investigation, that is, the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“I am sure that invitation was extended to them. I’m wondering why they are not in this room on the request of the parliament.
“It is our intention that you cooperate with us because your cooperation is vital as we seek to uncover the facts, provide clarity to Nigerians, and ultimately restore confidence in the integrity of government institutions.
“As we proceed with this investigative hearing, we urge that all the stakeholders appearing before the ad hoc committee comply with the provisions of Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable us to carry out our mandate,” he said, calling on stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice, accountability, and the greater good of Nigeria.
- On his part, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Bello Kumo, assured that the committee would ensure that civil servants or the staff of CBN are not, in any way, short-changed.
- He also frowned at the absence of CBN officials today, threatening to invoke the law against any stakeholder who failed to appear for the hearing.
What you should know
On April 8, 2024, the CBN sacked five to eight directors.
- Those affected were in the Trade and Exchange Department, Securities Department, Development Finance Department, as well as the Purchasing and Support Services Department, including the Public Affairs Department, Nairametrics earlier reported.
- The regulator equally retrenched 32 staff members the same day, striking fear in the staff.
As of April, the apex bank had sacked 117 staff members across its 27 departments, multiple sources said to Nairametrics.