ABUJA – Senate will next week look into how the Paris Club refunds to state governments distributed.
The Senate resolution followed observation by Sen. Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) that the upper chamber should look into the legality of the bail out funds given to governors by President Buhari.
Anyanwu sought to know who gave approval for the distribution of the Paris Club refunds since the National Assembly was not consulted before the disbursement of the funds to state governors.
“I am worried about the Paris club refunds. Governors are asking for more funds. Where is this money coming from?
The Senate has not given any approval for the disbursement of any such funds. Who gave approval for the bail out funds and where is the money for?
“I heard the President scolding them the other day. The President was asking them how they sleep at night even when they do not pay salaries.
They have received billions of naira. I feel worried. Even the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has told the President to stop giving bail out funds to governors.
“If you look at front page of newspaper, you will see the issue there. This is the problem. If my colleagues will allow me, I want to bring this as a motion at our next legislative day. I so submit”, the senator continued.
Senate President Bukola Saraki then sought the leave of the Senate to authorize that a proper motion be brought on the issue.
“Senator Samuel Anyanwu has spoken. Is it the wish of our colleagues that this motion be brought at another legislative daym?”, the SP put the question. He was answered in the affirmative.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave part of the Paris Club refunds to state governors as bail out funds to assist them to off set mounting salary arrears.
