Appear Or Be Arrested – Reps Threatens CBN Gov Over REMITA Leakages

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has been summoned by the
House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee to unfailingly appear before it on March 5, 2024, over issues relating to alleged leakages with the e-payment solution platform, REMITA.

The Reps who summoned Cardoso on Tuesday fumed about his failure to appear before the committee during previous sittings.

The committee in a letter signed by its chairman Bamidele Salam, stated that Cardoso’s absence “has greatly stalled this committee’s investigative process on revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

“The Public Accounts Committee has the power to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence, produce any document in his possession and under his control.

“Failure to comply with this civil invitation may leave the committee no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest against you in line with Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended) in line with House Procedures.

“Consequently, the committee resolved to grant you one last opportunity to appear,”

The letter sighted by reporters on Tuesday was titled, “RE: Investigation of revenue leakages through REMITA platform and non-compliance substantially with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements 2023.”

It read; “You are strongly advised to take good advantage of this invitation and appear before the committee unfailingly on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 10 am in the Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives’ New Building to respond to the issues that will arise during the hearing session.

“You are also advised to come along with all relevant officers who are familiar with the issues at stake and may assist you provide answers to any question that could arise during the session.

“Please refer to your representation before the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, by an Assistant Director without a written letter to that effect. Be advised that the committee does not allow representation. All chief accounting officers are to appear in person to defend their offices.”

“The committee frowns on this and wishes to remind you of the relevant constitutional provisions Sections 62 and 89(1) (a, b, c & d) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).