National
UPDATE: Senate gives NIMASA 48 hours to produce documents of $5m payment to law firm
Adeleye Kunle
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (SPAC) has given a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to present to it documents authorising the payment of $5 million to a law firm for a service not rendered.
The committee, chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South), had invited the management of the agency to explain why the $5 million was paid for a service not rendered.
At the resumption of the committee meeting on the issue on Tuesday, August 9, the representative of the agency, Olamide Olusanya, told the committee that the matter was in court.
However, the committee rejected the submission and asked the agency to present documents at its disposal on the payment of legal fees to the law firm.
The official of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) told the lawmakers that the agency was directed by the then Attorney-General of the Federation to pay $5 million for the legal fees.
Urhoghide, however, asked the representative of the agency to present any letter mandating it to pay $5 million for legal fees.
The representative of the agency’s managing director, while responding to whether the Presidency directed the agency to pay the legal fees, said there was no such letter, adding that they only had a letter from the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Buhari on administration authorising the payment.
Urhoghide, therefore, ordered the agency to present documents relating to the payment by Thursday, August 11, before the committee would take a final decision on the matter.
He said, “We need the details of the payment, you go back to your archives and bring it out.
“Also, let us know the transaction between you and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before you paid the money.”
Another member of the committee, Senator Abdullahi Danbaba, said there was no basis for making that payment, adding that the money should be recovered from the law firm.
Recall that the committee had invited Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) up to three times for an explanation for the payment of $5 million as a professional fee and details of the $9.3 billion loss by the federal government, however, the agency had declined the invitations, according to The Punch.
Urhoghide then ordered that an arrest warrant be issued on the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) boss, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, at the last panel sitting.
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
IYC: 12 Killed, Over 50 Injured as Violence Erupts Over Eastern Zone Election
-
Politics6 days ago
Breaking: APC candidacy threatened as Abuja Court summons Okpebholo for making false statements on oath
-
National4 days ago
NAFDAC Press Statement Against Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry Incorrect
-
News5 days ago
‘Forgive My Actions’ – Oshiomhole Apologies To Igbinedion
-
Sports6 days ago
UPDATE: World’s Most Monstrous Bodybuilder Dies At 36
-
News6 days ago
Gov. Diri attends burial of Pst. Ngozi Muoka, wife of Lord’s chosen G.O at Mgbidi
-
News4 days ago
Henceforth Any Police Officer Who Involves In Land, Rent And Marital Matters Will Be Sanctioned, Promotion Suspended-PSC
-
News5 days ago
Crisis hits Abiola family over oil asset as other children accuse Kola, Wuraola of fraud