Reps summon Anyim, AGF over N81.9bn revenue shortfall

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim
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The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has summoned the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla to explain how the Federation Account recorded a revenue shortfall of over N81.9bn.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Solomon Adeola, on Sunday said the revenue shortfall was captured in the report of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for 2006.

Adeola, who said the committee gave the AGF two weeks to appear before it, added that Otunla failed to turn up for an earlier meeting fixed for Thursday last week.

He also told journalists that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, was summoned by the committee to answer questions on the management of the Ecological Fund since 2003.

Anyim is to appear in company with the Permanent Secretary in charge of Ecological Fund in the Presidency, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, and the Director of Finance in the Office of the SGF.

Adeola said, “The Accountant-General has been reminded of the need to appear unfailingly, alongside all the concerned agencies in relation to pending issues in year 2006.

“Particularly, we want to see the Director-General, Budget Office (Dr. Bright Okogu) and revenue agencies responsible for the revenue shortfall amounting to N81, 904,469,177.27.

“The AGF is also to ensure that the agencies appearing alongside him should provide all the necessary documents in relation to the issues they are appearing on, to facilitate smooth examination and disposal of such issues.”

Adeola explained that the committee was looking into the ecological fund because the management of the account had generated controversies over the years, with officials giving no satisfactory answers to enquiries.

He said, “The Auditor-General complained of non-specific reflection of special funds in the Financial Statements, especially statements of assets and liabilities.

“The Accountant-General has therefore been directed to furnish the committee with detailed documentation in relation to the share of derivation and Ecological Account, Stabilisation Account and three per cent Development of Natural Resources from 2003 to date.

“The documentation should state clearly, monthly receipts, sources, disbursement made there from list of beneficiaries, and balance available.”

Adeola told newsmen that the committee was also investigating the management of the Police Reward Fund, which had accrued over N306bn.

He said although those entrusted with the management of the fund had refused to respond to summons by the committee, it would write its recommendations based on the findings before it.