Senate summons Emefiele, Adeosun, Ali over alleged withdrawal of $460m

Senate on Tuesday summoned the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor Godwin Emefiele, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and Minister of Defence, Manir’Dan Ali to appear before the committee on appropriation.

They are to explain why a whooping sum of $460 was allegedly withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without approval from the upper chamber.

It was reported that the withdrawal was made for the purchase of two helicopters from an American company.

But the upper chamber has mandated its committee on appropriation to investigate and report back in one week.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Imo east senatorial district and chairman, senate committee on ethics and privileges brought this matter before the senate under order 43.

In his explanation, Anyanwu cited section 80 subsections 2,3 respectively, wherein he said the federal government has no constitutional right under the 1999 constitution as amended to withdraw any amount of money from the consolidated revenue fund without approval and authorisation from the Senate.

On this consideration, the presiding deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu hit the gavel in confirmation.