By: Oliver Kum, February 24, 2022
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| Nigerian House of Representatives in a session |
The League of Francophile Lawyers in
Nigeria has commended the House of Representatives over its decision to probe
the Nigerian Correctional Service. A statement by the National Coordinator of
the League, Barr. Izi C. Kigun and a copy made available to African
Drum said, "we were elated when news filtered during the week
that the House of Representatives is set to probe the Nigerian Correctional
Service over the poor welfare of inmates and warders despite the huge budgetary
allocations made to the service for this purpose".
While saluting the leadership of the
House for taking this decision, the organisation's Coordinator, urged the House
Committee responsible for the excercise to ensure that this oversight function
is carried out responsibly and with every sense of patriotism. He further urged
the Chairman of the committee to ensure that the hearing is done publicly and
not behind closed so that no one is shielded. According to Kigun, "this
will not only prove the genuineness of the intention of the Green Chambers but
would further enhance the anti-corruption crusade of this administration".
The Coordinator also call on the
Green Chamber to ensure that the excercise was not abandoned or its findings
failed to see the light of the day.
Indeed, African Drum findings
revealed that many probes have been pending or even abandoned by the various
panels given the tasks. Yet, hardly does the House sit without resolving to
carry out one investigation or the other. It is a similar case in the Senate.
Since the 9th National Assembly was
inaugurated on June 11, 2019, the House alone has been handling various cases
bothering on public institutions and funds. Close watchers of the probes have
stated that leakages in the system could be saved if only the legislature has been
carrying out its oversight duties effectively.
Barr. Izi C. Kigun, National Coordinator League of Francophile Lawyers in Nigeria
Several members of the National Assembly have by way of motions raised the alarm over the alleged corruption and mismanagement of public resources, leading to investigations by standing and ad hoc committees. The panels either promptly carry out the probes and present their reports or dither on the assignment till the Assembly winds down or the issues are overtaken by events.
While it is part of the oversight function of the National Assembly to carry out the various probes, Nigerians are, however, divided over how much the probes have achieved in saving the economy or fixing the rot in the system.
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