By Nuel Suji – The Nigerian senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Defence, Ali Mansur and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over the withdrawal of $462 million from the nation’s account to purchase helicopters without approval of National Assembly.
The decision of the Senate to summon Adeosun, Mansur and Emefiele was sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Samuel Anyanwu during plenary.
Sen. Anyanwu, citing Order 43, made reference to section 80, 2 and 3 of the Constitution, stating that in March 2018 $462m was withdrawn to buy helicopters.
According to him, I have it on good authority that $462 million was released for the purchase of helicopters and l am not aware of any letter regarding to this effect that has been sent to National Assembly for approval.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary, referred the matter to Senate Committee on Appropriation.
It consequently summoned Adeosun, Emefiele and Mansur to appear before it to shed light on the matter and submit report in a week time.
