Reps query NEMA over alleged N13bn spending within one month

A House of Representatives has issued 48-hour ultimatum to Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Maihaja, over alleged frivolous N13 billion expenditure within one month.

Jibrin Santumari, Chairman, House Committee on NEMA issued the summon frowned at the failure of the NEMA to honour three invitations sent to him by the Committee.

To this end, the lawmakers threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the NEMA Director General if he fails to appear on Thursday, 27th July, 2017.

“The DG was supposed to appear before us today to explain how he spent N13 billion in one month.

“He sent a letter less than an hour ago that he’s in Maiduguri. The main issue is for him to explain the utilization of ecological and intervention funds as well as the flood in the North-East,” Santumari said.

The Borno lawmaker explained that the Committee had requested for documents regarding the agency’s expenditure and invited him three times.

While expressing displeasure over the letter signed by Mohammed Ali Aji, Special Adviser to the Director General, he queried the failure of the Director to send relevant documents to the Committee.

In his contribution, Bashir Baballe (APC-Kano), who moved a motion to summon the Director General, frowned at flagrant disregard of heads of Departments, Agencies and Commission towards the invitation of the National Assembly.

“Some of the officials are hiding under the situation in the Northeast not to perform. We should send him a last letter quoting relevant section of the constitution, reminding him of our powers to summon him,” Baballe said.

 

KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja