Members of the House of Representatives at a plenary. PHOTO: TWITTER/HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The House of Representatives has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to within one week explain the utilisation of N1.75 trillion bailout funds to states.
The House also directed its ad-hoc committee on bailout funds, which is yet to submit its report, to expedite action on it and investigate the payment of salaries in Kogi State.
While debating the motion entitled “Urgent need to save the people of Kogi State,” Karimi, who said the bailout funds for payment of salaries were funded by the public finance of the Federal Government of Nigeria, said the parliament has authority to query the bailout funds disbursement and utilisation.
According to Karimi, the condition and situation of Mr. Edward Soje, said to have been owed eleven months’ salary and reported to have committed suicide owing to the fact that he could not meet his obligations as a husband, especially when his wife had delivered triplet last week, is the lot of majority of the Kogi State civil servants both at the state and local councils.
He said: “If something is not done immediately, many more suicides will be committed by the frustrated civil servants.” Also, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (PDP, Abia), among others, questioned the conscience of our leaders.
According to her, the state governments have not been able to utilise the bailout funds earlier collected yet they are seeking for another from the Federal Government.
The House, therefore, adopted the motion through a voice-vote put up by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
