The six Area Council Chairmen of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to be thoroughly examined by the House of Representatives concerning their financial expenditures, starting next Tuesday. This development follows their repeated failures to respond to several invitations extended by the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters.
During a hearing on Tuesday, which was attended by the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmud, and the six council chairmen, the Chairman of the Committee, Frederick Agbedi, expressed his dissatisfaction with their persistent non-compliance.
Agbedi condemned their actions, stating that their refusal to attend the previous hearings was tantamount to holding the parliament in contempt. He clarified that the Committee’s intention was not to engage in a witch-hunt, but rather to ensure accountability for those in public service.
Agbedi stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, highlighting that public officials must be answerable for their financial activities. The Committee aims to scrutinize how funds allocated to the Area Councils have been utilized, ensuring that public resources are being managed effectively and responsibly.
Minister Mahmud offered an apology for the previous inability to attend the scheduled invitations, assuring that there would be improved cooperation with the Committee moving forward. Similarly, Danladi Chia, the Area Council Chairman for Kwali, apologized on behalf of his colleagues and pledged their full cooperation during the upcoming probe.
According to the schedule provided by the Clerk of the Committee, the hearings will proceed as follows: Abaji Area Council is set to appear on Tuesday, July 23, 2024; Bwari on Wednesday, July 24, 2024; and Gwagwalada on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The sessions will continue the following week, with Kuje Area Council facing the Committee on Tuesday, July 30, 2024; Kwali on Wednesday, July 31, 2024; and AMAC on Thursday, August 1, 2024. All hearings are scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. on the designated days.
Agbedi explained that the Committee had to adjourn the investigative hearings until next week due to the recent demise of a House member from Kaduna State, Ekene Adams. This unexpected event necessitated a temporary postponement of the proceedings.
The Committee had previously issued a stern warning last Tuesday, threatening to halt budgetary allocations to the FCT in response to the Area Council Chairmen and the related agencies’ consistent refusal to honor their invitations. This drastic measure underscores the seriousness with which the Committee views the issue of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
As the hearings approach, there is a heightened expectation that the Area Council Chairmen will provide detailed explanations and justifications for their financial decisions. This process aims to reinforce the principles of good governance and ensure that the financial autonomy granted to the local governments is exercised with integrity and accountability.
The upcoming sessions are poised to shed light on the financial practices within the Area Councils, promoting greater transparency and fostering public trust in the administration of the FCT.
