Jane Salihu
The Senate Committee on Finance on Monday rescinded its earlier resolution recommending the removal of the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), by President Bola Tinubu.
The committee had last Thursday, during a session with the federal government’s economic team, called for Magaji’s removal over his repeated failure to honour invitations to appear before it.
However, at another session held on Monday, the committee reversed its decision following what members described as a show of remorse by the CAC Registrar and a motion moved to that effect by Senator Jibrin Isa- Echocho of Kogi East, seconded by Senator Nasir Musa Zango Daura (Katsina North).
Before the decision was rescinded, the Chairman of the Committee faulted Magaji for what he termed persistent refusal to appear before the panel or sending junior officers in his place.
“This committee is not happy with you for your persistent refusal to appear before it in the past or sending junior officers. That is not acceptable,” the Chairman said.
“The Constitution grants us oversight powers over all revenue-generating agencies. At our last sitting, the committee recommended your removal, but you appeared shortly after our pronouncement. We want an explanation.”
In his response, Magaji tendered an unreserved apology to the committee, assuring members that such an occurrence would not repeat itself.
He explained that a communication lapse contributed to his previous absences and disclosed that a dedicated liaison office had now been created to strengthen engagement between the Commission and the National Assembly.
“Mr. Chairman, I sincerely apologise to the committee. I was returning from Lagos and asked my team to inform the committee ahead of time. Unfortunately, I arrived late,” he said.
“We have now created a dedicated liaison office to handle interactions with the National Assembly. I assure you this will not happen again. I take full responsibility and hold this committee in high esteem.”
Apparently satisfied with his explanation and remorse, members of the committee spoke in his defence.
Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) described the CAC Registrar as a respectful, dedicated and patriotic Nigerian who would not deliberately disrespect the Senate or the National Assembly.
Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Jibrin Isa- Echocho of Kogi East also appealed for leniency. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), who had initially moved the motion recommending the Registrar’s removal last week, urged the committee to withdraw it.
The Chairman subsequently put the motion for withdrawal to a voice vote, which was unanimously adopted by members.
Despite the reprieve granted to the CAC boss, the committee stood down consideration of the Commission’s 2024 and 2025 budget presentations, describing them as scanty. Magaji was directed to return on Thursday with a more detailed submission.
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