House of Representatives has expressed disappoinment over the inability of the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before it for explanation on the recently introduced cash withdrawal policy by Apex bank.
The displeasure occurred when the Speaker Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, read a letter from the CBN Governor requesting another time to appear before the house as he was currently in the USA attending an official assignment.
Reading the letter sent by the CBN governor on the floor of the house, the Speaker Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that the inability of the Governor to appear before the green chamber was due to his engagements outside Nigeria.
Reacting to the matter, a member from Plateau State Alh Yusuf Gagdi, described the CBN Governor’s attitude to the house invitations as disrespectful in view of the importance of the matter and the powers attached to the parliament by the constitution.
Alh Yusuf Gagdi, who was concerned that the implementation of the policy scheduled to commence in few days to come, emphasized that it was imperative for the CBN Governor to come back and address the house on the critical issue at hand considering the implications it had on million of Nigerians.
Also speaking, the house Minority Leader Mr Ndudi Elumelu, reminded the members that there was no need for any debate on the matter as resolution had already been taken by the house directing the CBN Governor to suspend the policy which also the concurred.
Mr Elumelu, maintained that weather the CBN Governor would return to Nigeria or will Remains outside the country till next year the resolution on the policy must be respected by the Apex bank.
The House Leader, Alh Alhassan Ado Doguwa, said the invitation must stand for the Governor to appear before the house about the policy, as his presence would provide relevant answers to key questions from the lawmakers.
Ruling on the issue, the Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, confirmed that the House would verify what kept the CBN Governor abroad for two weeks as Nigerians were in need of detail explanation on newly introduced cash withdrawal policy.
The House therefore mandated the Clerk to re-write to the CBN Governor to appear before the House on Thursday this week or send his deputy who was well equipped to brief the parliament on the policy.
COV TSIBIRI