Abbas Tajudeen remarks at the inauguration of Adhoc Committee responsible for investigating Federal MDAs, Parastatals, and Tertiary Institutions

Protocol

I am pleased to welcome you all to the inauguration of this all important Ad-hoc Committee saddled with the responsibility to investigate MDAs, Parastatals and Tertiary Institutions to address the troubling issues regarding personnel recruitment, employment racketeering, and the gross mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

2. Honourable colleagues, this Committee emblematises the House’s commitment to entrench transparency, efficiency and accountability in public service. Therefore, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am convinced that fostering good governance in Nigeria’s public institutions is not only a routine legislative responsibility but an obligation we owe to the people of Nigeria.

3. The matters before this Ad-hoc Committee represent the yearnings of Nigerian citizens, hence, must be treated with keen attention. The abuse of personnel recruitment and blatant employment racketeering destroys the essence of bureaucratic processes and leaves damaging implications. It affects the integrity of our institutions and distort the aspirations of many citizens who seek competitive and fair opportunities.

4. This negative practice is an affront to the Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution which provides the even distribution of our commonwealth in the spirit of federal character. The essence of this provision as explained in Section 318 (1) of the Constitution is to foster national loyalty, inclusiveness and to give every part of the country a sense of belonging. The issues this committee is to investigate negate this very noble intent of the drafters of our Constitution and cannot be overlooked in the spirit of national interest.

5. Additionally, the mismanagement and subversion of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) is a gross misconduct and criminal activities that challenge the very core principles of prudent management of our nation’s financial resources. I challenge this Committee to address this issues head-on and recommend policy agenda for legislative actions.

6. Your core mandate in this Committee therefore, is to uncover the facts, identify the remote and immediate causes of mismanagement, interrogate degree of racketeering and proffer solutions that will restore confidence in public institutions and safeguard Nigeria’s financial resources from plunder and corruption.

7. In addition, as you carry out this intrinsic national responsibility, I enjoin you to be guided by the values of integrity, fairness, and social justice. You must also engage relevant stakeholders in open dialogues, including representatives from the various MDAs, public parastatals, and tertiary institutions, as well as the civil society and experts in financial systems, management information system and personnel management.

8. By the powers conferred on me as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I hereby inaugurate this Committee and urge you to carry out this national assignment with every sense of responsibility, commitment and dedication it deserves. Do not leave any stone unturned in your investigation. I am confident that your report will provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations to guide the House of Representatives in enacting necessary reforms.

9. I wish you success in this assignment. Thank you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.