In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in governance, the Senate has appointed Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho (Echocho) as the Chairman of a 17-man Ad-Hoc committee tasked with investigating the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which operated under the leadership of former President Muhammad Buhari.
The decision to form the committee came after the Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions presented their report to the Senate following discussions with the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team. The committee’s formation was announced during a recent plenary session.
During the inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He stressed the importance of addressing the concerns of Nigerians while upholding democratic principles.
Akpabio charged the committee members to approach their responsibilities with patriotism, professionalism, and integrity, emphasizing the need for impartiality and fairness in their investigation. He urged them to prioritize the public interest and the nation’s welfare.
Senator Isah-Echocho, accepting the responsibility as Chairman, expressed gratitude to the Senate for entrusting him and his colleagues with the task. He assured that the committee would conduct the investigation without compromise and deliver results promptly. He also called on program beneficiaries to cooperate by providing necessary information.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and key ministers such as the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edu, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Baguda. High-ranking senators, including Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, were also present.
The 17-member committee comprises senators from various regions across the country. It has been given six weeks to report its findings on the N30 trillion Ways and Means expenditures under the previous administration to the Senate for further action.