Let the Truth Be Known

Let the Truth Be Known

In seeking to investigate the N2.3b placement of NEPA funds in a bank at a rather low interest rate, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts is merely doing a job that properly falls within its purview. That the committee has decided to organize a public hearing is also significant. It shows the committee's recognition of the fact that the funds in question are public funds. The public should thus be given a chance to know what public officers have done with its money.

The problem is thus very welcome, especially as a major plank of this administration is transparency and accountability. Senator Idris Abubakar and his men must carry on and complete the task they have begun.

Thus far, the public, whose interest the public hearing has awakened, has been given little information. The two meetings held so far have been dominated by something of a face-off between the committee and Chief Bola Ige and Dr. Segun Agagu, the former and current Minister of Power respectively.

The conflicts between the committee and the ministers may make interesting reading to some people. For me what matters most is getting to the root of the matter. Both Chief Ige and Dr. Agagu should be as committed to establishing the truth as the Senate committee. I know Chief Ige. He is a friend and I know that he is committed to the truth and justice. That being so, he must say nothing, do nothing that would create a contrary impression. Having earlier publicly denied having a hand in the placement under investigation, he should grab at the opportunity of clearing his name which the committee hearing provides. On the other hand, it is difficult to understand the tardiness in providing Chief Bola Ige with a copy of the report in question. We urge the Senate Committee to make the report available to both ministers, so that they can adequately prepare their case. Fairness demands it.

Finally, it is important that party interests and personalities be kept from this matter. I consider as bad taste the comment credited to Senator Idris Abubaker regarding Bola Ige's commitment to delivering a lecture in Lagos on the day he was required to appear before the committee. Admittedly, that lecture is not part of the official duties of Chief Ige. But, surely, Senator Idris must know that public officers, including politicians, are often invited to deliver lectures on various subjects. It is immature to make light of such assignments. Society does not live by government action alone. Non - governmental agencies play an important role in informing the public about different issues through symposia, lectures, seminars etc. It would be irresponsible for a minister to cancel a lecture to which he is already committed except in the event of a real emergency. Chief Ige could have telephoned Senator Abubakar and both could have settled the matter amicably.

The public desires to see understanding and co-operation, not confrontation. All concerned must remember that the interests of the nation are greater than those of any person or group.

-Obaro Ikime