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Auditor-General’s Report: Lagos Lawmakers Begin Probe Of Indicted Ministries, Departments, Agencies
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Lagos State House of Assembly has begun a probe of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government in relation to the State’s Auditor-General’s report for 2021.
Hon. Saka Solaja, chairman of the committee, made the announcement on Wednesday as he and his colleagues received the first set of government officials summoned to respond to queries raised in the report.
Solaja, who described the PAC as a statutory establishment of Sections 125 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, added that the committee serves as an important instrument of checks, probity and accountability in Legislative institutions at both the Federal and the State levels.
“Consequently, Section 125(2) and Section 129(1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution as (amended) empower the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly to ‘summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence at any place or produce any document or other things in his possession or under his control and examine
him as witness and require him to produce any document or other things in his possession or under his control’.
“Hence, in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices in the pursuit of its statutory objectives, the Public Accounts Committee (State) of the
Lagos State House of Assembly is poised to commence deliberations and considerations of the audited report of the State Auditor-General on the accounts of the Lagos State Government for the year ended 2021 haven been committed to
the committee for proper deliberations,” he said.
Solaja noted that the probe would cover economic activities of all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government between January 1 and December 31, 2021.
“The aim of the committee is to invite all heads of the indicted MDAs and to seek clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General’s report to
enhance service delivery in the State.
“The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with financial regulations, relevant legislations and accounting standards and reflect on each sector’s financial performance and position.
“In addition, the committee would confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs; capital
expenditure, reconciliation of the financial records with the Oracle System of the of MDAs, and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State,” he added.
He said though the probe was herculean, it must be accomplished if the State must be moved forward to attain probity especially as public expectations are high.
Solaja, who said Lagos had become a reference point for probity among other states of the federation, added that the House under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, cannot afford to disappoint the electorate.
He said at the end of the exercise, the report of the committee’s findings would be presented to the House for further deliberation and action as he expressed hope that the resolution on the outcome of probe would facilitate effective management of resources in the State.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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