The House of Representatives on Thursday threatened to issue a bench
warrant for the arrest of the Inspector General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim
Idris if he fails to appear before its Committee on Police Affairs on Jan.
19.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Gabriel Onyenwife who
condemned the continuous refusal of the I-G to honour invitations of the
Committee.
The Committee is investigating alleged violation of the 2016 Appropriation
Act by the Nigerian Police Force.
Moving the motion, Onyenwife noted that the I-G had failed to appear
before the Committee to explain why the force diverted N1.2 billion
approved for the purchase of 10 armoured personnel carriers.
He said that instead of using the approved sum to purchase the said
carriers, the money was rather used for the purchase of 64 Toyota Hiace
Commuter vehicles, without the approval of the National Assembly.
He also said that N6billion was appropriated in the same act for
rehabilitation of 102 police stations nationwide, but the amount was
diverted for other uses.
“These infractions of the Appropriation Act 2016, the Fiscal
Responsibility Act 2007, and the Public Procurement Act 2007, are just two
of the several infractions committed by the Nigeria Police Force in the
course of implementation of the budget,’’ Onyenwife said.
According to him, the Committee on Police Affairs invited the I-G on Dec.
6, 2016 and Dec. 13, 2016 in his capacity as the Chief Executive and
Accounting Officer of the Force to explain or justify these perceived
infractions.
“But he failed or refused to honour the invitations or justify his failure
or refusal to attend.’’ Onyenwife stated.
The House, therefore, resolved to summon the I-G to appear before the
Committee unfailing on Thursday Jan. 19. 2017, to justify the said
infractions of the Appropriation Act 2016.