The Secretary to the government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal has been summoned to appear before Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating him over mismanagement of internally displaced persons funds.
In a letter addressed to SGF dated 15th of March, 2017, and signed by the ad-hoc committee chairman, Senator Shehu Sani, said Lawal is expected to appear as part of the ongoing investigation of mismanagement of fund against him.
The Ad-hoc Committee’s expectation was for the SGF to respond to pertinent issues bordering alledged mismanagement of IDP funds which was believed to be responsible for the current humanitarian crisis in the North-East.
The letter reads: “The Senate at its sitting on 4th October, 2016, debated on a motion “mounting humanitarian crisis in the north east” after which an ad-hoc committee was constituted to among other things.
“The committee was to conduct a public hearing in order to ascertain how much has been released to the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) And also to ascertain how these funds have been utilized from inception to date.
“The committee was also expected to investigate the diversion of grains and other food items from the Strategic Grain Reserves, NEMA and other sources for the IDPs.
“Consequently, the committee held a three day public hearing between 6th to 8th, December, 2016, even though some of the invited stakeholders refused to attend. In order to give them a fair hearing, the committee has resolved to conduct another public hearing. You are hereby invited once more to the public hearing.”
DAILY POST, however, recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, had in January, written to the Senate clearing Mr. Babachir David Lawal of wrong doings, particularly giving him the opportunity to defend himself.
Consequent upon that, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, mandated the committee to carryout a fresh public hearing and invite relevant stakeholders, including the SGF to defend themselves.
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