Legislature
Senate Demands Appearance of CAC’s Registrar General Within 24 Hours
By Iyojo Ameh
The Senate Committee on Finance, under the leadership of Senator Sani Musa, has issued a compelling directive requiring the presence of Ishaq Hussain Magaji (SAN) the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), within the next 24 hours. This directive comes following Lawal’s repeated failure to honor the committee’s invitations, marking the third consecutive absence.
The primary agenda for Lawal’s required appearance is to address discrepancies discovered within the Commission’s 2024 budget. The committee has expressed deep concern over these inconsistencies, prompting the urgency of Lawal’s testimony.
Expressing disappointment at Lawal’s repeated absence, Senator Musa emphasized the critical nature of Lawal’s presence, particularly regarding the financial irregularities found within the Commission’s records.
Despite the presence of several senior officials from the Corporate Affairs Commission at the hearing, they were unable to provide convincing reasons for Lawal’s non-appearance, further fueling the committee’s frustration.
Senator Bello Mandiya strongly criticized Lawal’s absence, drawing comparisons between Lawal’s non-attendance and the willingness of even the President to appear before such committees.
Considering Lawal’s repeated non-appearance, the Committee deliberated on potential punitive measures. Senator Abdul Ningi stressed Lawal’s accountability, asserting that the responsibility to explain the financial discrepancies rested squarely on the Registrar General.
Invoking Section 89(2), Senator Musa mandated the Inspector General of Police to ensure Lawal’s appearance before the Senate Committee on Finance within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe. The Committee emphasized the seriousness of the matter, underscoring Lawal’s role as the custodian of the Commission’s financial affairs and the imperative need for accountability.