The Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, has mandated the Inspector General of Police to compel the appearance of the Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Ishaq Hussain Magaji, before it within 24 hours.
This comes as the committee chairman expressed anger when the Registrar General shunned the committee’s invitation for the third time on Wednesday.
The primary reason for Magaji’s appearance, according to the chairman, was to provide explanations regarding discrepancies discovered in the Commission’s 2024 budget, a matter that raised concerns among committee members.
Despite multiple invitations sent to the CAC boss, he remained absent, prompting outrage among senators.
Senator Musa expressed disappointment, highlighting the significance of Magaji’s presence, especially in light of the financial irregularities found within the Commission’s financial records.
Several senior officials from the CAC present at the hearing were unable to provide convincing reasons for Magaji’s absence, further aggravating the Committee members.
Senator Bello Mandiya, representing Katsina South Senatorial District, strongly criticized Magaji’s non-appearance, drawing a parallel between the absence of the CAC’s Registrar General and the willingness of even the President to appear before such committees.
Senator Abdul Ningi emphasized the necessity of Magaji’s presence, urging the CAC officials not to shield him from accountability. Ningi stressed the importance of understanding the financial discrepancies and clarified that the responsibility of explanation rested with the Registrar General.
Senator Musa, invoking Section 89(2), mandated the Inspector General of Police to ensure the CAC Registrar General’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe.
The Committee reiterated the seriousness of the matter, emphasizing Magaji’s role as the custodian of the CAC’s financial affairs and the need for accountability in light of the detected irregularities.
The outcome of this directive remains to be seen, as the Senate Committee on Finance continues its efforts to address the financial discrepancies within the Corporate Affairs Commission, placing significant pressure on Magaji to provide the necessary explanations.
