PFIPC scandal: Kano senator insists president’s ICPC probe not enough, demands Senate inquest

Senator Kawu Sumaila is pushing for an independent Senate investigation into a controversial N1.3 billion budgetary allocation, despite President Bola Tinubu's order for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the matter. The allocation was reportedly for a "Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council," which the Presidency has stated does not exist.

Sumaila, representing Kano South, argues that the Senate has a constitutional responsibility to scrutinize its own appropriation process. He is less concerned with the existence of the agency itself, which the President can create, and more focused on how such a budgetary provision entered the national budget. He wants to ascertain whether the proposal originated from the executive branch or was inserted by members of the National Assembly during the budget's formulation.

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I am more concerned about the budget because it directly affects our National Assembly. Constitutionally, we are empowered to make a budget for Nigeria.

"Therefore, I am more concerned about the budget because it directly affects our National Assembly. Constitutionally, we are empowered to make a budget for Nigeria," Sumaila stated. He believes that understanding the origin of the questionable allocation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legislative process. While acknowledging and welcoming President Tinubu's directive for an ICPC investigation, Sumaila maintains that the legislature must also conduct its own inquiry to fulfill its oversight duties.

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But I am happy that Mr President has called for a comprehensive investigation and constituted a committee to probe the issue. But we have three arms of government. On our part, my main concern is the budget.