Reps summon CBN Governor over REMITA leakages

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, requiring his appearance on March 5, 2024. The summon pertains to issues related to alleged leakages within the REMITA e-payment solution platform.

Expressing dissatisfaction with Cardoso’s absence in previous sittings, the committee emphasized its authority to summon any person in Nigeria for evidence and document production. The committee warned that failure to comply with the invitation may lead to the issuance of a warrant of arrest in accordance with the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended), aligning with House Procedures.

In a letter signed by Chairman Bamidele Salam, titled “Investigation of revenue leakages through REMITA platform and non-compliance substantially with the standard operating procedure and other allied service level agreements 2023,” the committee granted Cardoso one last opportunity to appear. The letter strongly advised him to attend the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 10 am in the Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives’ New Building, to address issues related to the investigation.

Cardoso was urged to bring along relevant officers familiar with the issues to assist in providing answers during the session. The committee emphasized its disapproval of previous representation by an Assistant Director without a written letter, clarifying that all chief accounting officers must appear in person to defend their offices. The committee also reminded Cardoso of constitutional provisions outlined in Sections 62 and 89(1) (a, b, c & d) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).