The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, on Thursday, issued a five-day ultimatum to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata.
The Committee seeks the appearance of the Perm Sec to provide clarification regarding the alleged abandonment of a Federal Road construction project in Kaduna State, valued at over N1.46bn.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of PAC, Bamidele Salam, following the Permanent Secretary’s failure to respond to two prior invitations.
The PAC reached this resolution while addressing concerns related to non-compliance with financial regulations and the Procurement Ac. As well as assessing the value for money regarding the project in question by the ministry
According to reports, the road construction contract, which spans 115 kilometres was awarded to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd on October 5, 2022. It was expected to be completed within 12 months.
However, following the delay in the work, PAC frowned at the attitude of the Permanent Secretary. The Committee said he has formed the habit of treating the invitation of the PAC with levity. It, however, stated that, this time, it will never be business as usual.
Speaking on the development, Salam emphasized that the Committee requires an explanation for the full payment made to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd. This is because there is no evidence of project execution.
For his continual refusal to appear before the Committee, a motion of arrest was moved by Dauda Nyampa. And it was seconded by Ari Mohammed and was unanimously supported by the Committee members.
Salam said, “Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has issued a five-day ultimatum to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works. He is to show cause why a warrant of arrest should not be issued against him by the House of Representatives. For failure to respond either in writing or to appear before this constitutional committee. To explain why a sum of N1.4 billion was paid to Jam-Jam Dynamic platform Ltd. For the construction of Gidanwanya-Guaran, Dutse-Waman, Ravi-Saminaka-Kano Road awarded on the October 5, 2022. To be completed within 12 months and have received full payment without execution of the project.”
“PAC has issued a clear warning to the Permanent Secretary regarding the allegations surrounding substantial payments made for an abandoned road project. If the Permanent Secretary fails to appear or respond by Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Committee will seek a warrant for his arrest.
“The Committee has said that the Permanent Secretary has until the specified date to provide a response. And to appear before them to address these serious allegations,” the Chairman stated.
source: Punch
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U