The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has issued a stern summons to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, demanding his appearance on March 5, 2024. This summons is in connection to alleged leakages identified within the e-payment solution platform, REMITA.

Expressing their dissatisfaction with the Governor’s absence in previous sessions, the committee emphasized the significance of Cardoso’s appearance in aiding their investigation into revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

In a letter signed by the committee’s chairman, Bamidele Salam, it was made clear that the Public Accounts Committee possesses the authority to summon any individual in Nigeria to provide evidence and produce relevant documents.

The letter warned of potential legal consequences, including the issuance of a warrant of arrest if the Governor fails to comply.

The letter partly states, “The Public Accounts Committee has the power to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence, produce any document in his possession and under his control. Failure to comply with this civil invitation may leave the committee no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest against you in line with Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended) in line with House Procedures. Consequently, the committee resolved to grant you one last opportunity to appear”

“The committee’s concerns are centered on investigating revenue leakages through the REMITA platform and the alleged non-compliance with standard operating procedures and service level agreements in 2023.”

“Cardoso is strongly advised to appear before the committee on March 5, 2024, at 10 am, in the Meeting Room 446 of the House of Representatives’ New Building.”

The letter also urged the Governor to bring along relevant officers who can assist in addressing the issues raised during the hearing session. The committee does not allow representation, emphasizing the need for chief accounting officers to appear in person to defend their offices.

The letter further reminded the Governor of the constitutional provisions outlined in Sections 62 and 89(1) (a, b, c & d) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).