Senate probes alleged diversion of intervention fund for Buhari’s reelection

The Senate has commenced investigation into an allegation that the Special Intervention Programme of the present administration is being diverted to fund President Muhammadu’s reelection bid.

The ad-hoc committee is also mandated to investigate the application of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment-Programme (SURE-P) of the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

This followed a motion by the Senate Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti State).

She claimed that the money may have been diverted to promote President Buhari who is currently seeking reelection in the 2019 presidential election.

According to her, the funds are being used for votes buying for the President.

She said officials disbursing the fund – meant for ordinary Nigerians – are circulating forms on which potential beneficiaries are asked to provide their data, including details of their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

The cards are designed specifically for accreditation of eligible voters on Election Day.

The PDP senator said the such forms are accompanied by another from Access Bank containing details of payment.

She displayed the two forms to back up her claims.

She said: “One of the forms is here with me and it is being disbursed by the special intervention body. They are now using the fund that is meant for all Nigerians for political reasons.”

However, the motion was opposed by Senate Majority Leader, Ahmad Lawan, who insisted that the funds have been judiciously utilised.

The session became rowdy for more than 20 minutes, as the Senate President Bukola Saraki found it difficult to control the situation. While APC senators insisted that the panel be asked to probe SURE-P, members of PDP in the legislative chamber maintained that the SIP has been politicised.

Saraki named members of the committee to include Ibrahim Gobir (Chairman), while other members are: Shehu Sani, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Danjuma Goje, Dino Melaye, Matthew Urhoghide and Gbenga Ashafa.