Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned that underperforming committee chairpersons will be removed if they fail to act.
Akpabio made this statement during a plenary session in response to complaints about Senate committees’ inefficiency.
Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, had expressed concern over the Senate Committee on Finance’s failure to oversee key agencies. Ningi emphasized that the committee had not carried out its oversight responsibilities, particularly regarding revenue-generating agencies.
Akpabio responded firmly, declaring that if committees struggled to fulfill their duties, leadership changes would occur immediately. He added that new chairpersons would be appointed, ensuring effective oversight for the benefit of democracy.
“We will change the composition of the committees to ensure they perform better,” Akpabio asserted.
He further clarified that competent individuals would be chosen to replace the underperforming committee heads.
The Senate President also demanded that all standing committees submit comprehensive reports of their oversight activities by January 2025. Akpabio said these reports would provide insight into the challenges committees face in fulfilling their responsibilities.
He urged committee chairpersons to take their duties seriously and adhere to constitutional mandates.
Additionally, Akpabio expressed frustration over the refusal of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to comply with National Assembly invitations.
He stressed that MDAs are legally obligated to respond to Senate committees, underlining the constitutional powers backing the Senate. Senate members, including Aliyu Wadada, shared frustrations over the non-compliance of agencies like the FIRS and NNPCL.
Wadada reported that the FIRS had submitted questionable documents, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in government agencies.
