Jonathan sets up committee to verify 2011 subsidy claims

By Ben Agande

In furtherance of his commitment that there would be no stone unturned in ensuring that those indicted in the fuel subsidy probe are brought to book, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced the constitution of a committee to verify and reconcile the findings of the Technical Committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Finance to conduct a detailed review of all subsidy claims and payments made in 2011.

The 15-member committee headed by Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede will begin work immediately and is to conclude its assignment on Friday, July 13, 2012
Other members of the new committee are: Dr. Abraham Nwankwo (DG DMO); Mr. Bernard Otti (GED Finance & Accounts, NNPC); Mrs. Oyinye Ahuchogu (CBN), Mrs. Sola David-Borha (MD Stanbic/IBTC, representing the Banking Community); Mr. Mike Osatuyi (National Secretary, IPMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, Mr. Jonah Otunla (Accountant-General of the Federation), Mr. Bright Okogwu (DG, Budget Office), Mr. Reginald Stanley (Executive Secretary, PPPRA), Mrs. Aisha Waziri-Umar and Mr. Jalal Arabi.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the State Security Service will also be represented on the Committee which has the following terms of reference:

1. To further verify and reconcile all claims made in the report of the Technical Committee on Fuel Subsidy Payments;
2. To properly identify all cases of overpayment and/or irregular payment;
3. To accurately identify all likely fraudulent cases for criminal investigation and
4. To review any other pertinent issues that may arise from its work and make appropriate recommendations.

On receiving the Verification and Reconciliation Committee’s report, President Jonathan will order whatever action he deems necessary to ensure justice and full recovery of all fuel subsidy funds that may have been illegally paid.