by Azeez Adeniyi

The senate ad hoc committee on the mounting humanitarian crisis in the north-east, has issued a fresh summon to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

The committee asked him to appear before it on Wednesday March 22.

The summon letter which was signed by Chairman of the committee, Shehu Sani said the appearance was part of ongoing investigation into allegations that Babachir mismanaged funds earmarked for humanitarian crisis in the North East.

“The senate at its sitting on 4th October, 2016, debated on a motion “mounting humanitarian crisis in the north east” after which an ad-hoc committee was constituted,” the letter read.

“The committee was to conduct a public hearing in order to ascertain how much has been released to the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) and also to ascertain how these funds have been utilized from inception to date.

“The committee was also expected to investigate the diversion of grains and other food items from the Strategic Grain Reserves, NEMA and other sources for the IDPs.

“Consequently, the committee held a three day public hearing between December 6 and December 8 2016, even though some of the invited stakeholders refused to attend.”

The Senate had asked Buhari to sack Lawal, stating that evidences showed that he was involved in shoddy activities.

However, Buhari had defended Lawal, noting that the Senate did not give him a fair hearing.

Azeez