The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has reacted to the absence of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials at today’s opening of the ad hoc committee’s investigation of the alleged termination and dismissal of about 1000 CBN staffers.
He urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the House in its investigation of the alleged forceful retirement of the staff, warning against contravention of relevant laws on accountability.
Abbas gave the advice on Friday, highlighting that the stakeholders under probe include CBN, the Federal Character Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Abbas said that the hearing is aimed at unravelling the truth about the termination and dismissal of the CBN staffers and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who have failed to honor the invitation to participate in this hearing.
“I have looked through the room and have not seen a representative during the course of the introduction that came from the key institution in the subject matter of this investigation, that is, the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“I am sure that invitation was extended to them. I’m wondering why they are not in this room on the request of the parliament.
“It is our intention that you cooperate with us because your cooperation is vital as we seek to uncover the facts, provide clarity to Nigerians, and ultimately restore confidence in the integrity of government institutions.
“As we proceed with this investigative hearing, we urge that all the stakeholders appearing before the ad hoc committee comply with the provisions of Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable us to carry out our mandate,” he said, calling on stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice, accountability, and the greater good of Nigeria.
On April 8, 2024, the CBN sacked five to eight directors.
As of April, the apex bank had sacked 117 staff members across its 27 departments, multiple sources said to Naijaonpoint.