The Senate Committee on Finance has ordered Ishaq Hussain Magaji (SAN), the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to appear before it in 24 hours.
The Senator Sani Musa led Committee expressed deep frustration at the failure of Lawal to honor their invitation for the third consecutive time.
The primary reason for Lawal’s appearance, according to the chairman, was to provide explanations regarding discrepancies discovered in the Commission’s 2024 budget, a matter that raised concerns among committee members.
Despite multiple invitations sent to the CAC boss, Lawal remained absent, prompting outrage among senators.
Senator Musa expressed disappointment, highlighting the significance of Lawal’s presence, especially in light of the financial irregularities found within the Commission’s financial records.
Several senior officials from the Corporate Affairs Commission, present at the hearing, were unable to provide convincing reasons for Lawal’s absence, further aggravating the Committee members.
Senator Bello Mandiya, representing Katsina South Senatorial District, strongly criticized Lawal’s non-appearance, drawing a parallel between the absence of the CAC’s Registrar General and the willingness of even the President to appear before such committees.
The Committee, in reaction to the repeated absence of the Registrar General, deliberated on potential punitive actions.
Senator Abdul Ningi emphasized the necessity of Lawal’s presence, urging the CAC officials not to shield him from accountability. Ningi stressed the importance of understanding the financial discrepancies and clarified that the responsibility of explanation rested with the Registrar General.
Senator Musa, invoking Section 89(2), 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 reiterated the seriousness of the matter, emphasizing Lawal’s role as the custodian of the Corporate Affairs Commission’s financial affairs and the need for accountability in light of the detected irregularities.
The outcome of this directive remains to be seen, as the Senate Committee on Finance continues its efforts to address the financial discrepancies within the Corporate Affairs Commission, placing significant pressure on Garba Lawal to provide the necessary explanations.
