The House of Representatives has debunked allegations that its committee overseeing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was extorting money from University Vice Chancellors, Rectors of Polytechnics aand Provost of Colleges of Education before allowing them access the 2024 intervention fund.
There had been reports that the House committee directed the stoppage of the funds for the 2024 intervention while demanding various sums of money from them before giving approval.
The House Spokesperson, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement on Sunday night that the report was an attempt to smear the image of the House.
He however did not deny the stoppage of the release of the funds by the committee, but said the directive was part of the oversight function of the committee, saying it was well within the constitutional mandate of the committee
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The statement reads: “the House of Representatives has taken notice of a media report titled ‘TETFund Interventions: VCs, Rectors, Provosts, Lament Extortion by Reps’ in the February 10, 2024 edition of Daily Trust Newspaper.
“The story follows similar publications in recent times, including one published by Premium Times titled ‘Vice-Chancellors, Lawmakers Set For Showdown Over Alleged Extortion Scheme.’ These stories follow a false and spent narrative, alleging that lawmakers intend extorting administrators of our higher institutions.
“We would otherwise have continued to ignore this coordinated and sponsored smear campaign, but consider it important to set the records straight because of the dangers of malicious and uncharitable distortion of facts.
“Firstly, it must be stated that legislative oversight or directives over monies appropriated by parliament for a public institution neither constitutes “unwholesome overbearing influence” in the management of the schools nor “breaches their autonomy” as argued in both reports.
“Section 80(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), clearly spells out that: “No monies shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the Federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation unless the issue of those monies has been authorised by an Act of the National Assembly.
“Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution also give the National Assembly powers to direct or cause to be directed, investigation into the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.
“The Nigerian Constitution serves as the Supreme Law of the Land, and every legislation or action remains subordinate to the provisions of the constitution even in the case of a seeming contradiction.
“This is by virtue of Section 1 of the same constitution and there have been a plethora of the apex court’s affirmations of this principle. It is essential to recognise that the Constitution acts as the litmus test for the validity of every other law or action in the country, ensuring adherence to constitutional principles.
“In light of this constitutional imperative, it is our firm belief that the TETFund Act, like any other legislation in Nigeria, should be interpreted and applied in harmony with the Constitution.
“While Section 7(5) of the TETFund Act may not explicitly mention National Assembly approval, it should be read and understood within the broader context of the Constitution, which mandates such approval for withdrawals from public funds.
“The absence of an express statement in the TETFund Act for National Assembly approval does not imply an exemption from constitutional provisions. Rather, it can be interpreted as an inherent understanding that all legislation, including the TETFund Act, is subject to the overarching principles enshrined in the Constitution.”
“The directive by the House Committee on TETFUND in its letter to the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), requesting a suspension of the implementation of the 2024 Intervention Fund pending its approval is therefore well within constitutional bounds and in line with the need to ensure accountability.
“Hence, for any one or entity to resort to blackmail of the Committee with allegations of extortion, they must understand that such an action is libelous and necessary legal action would be taken.
“Not forgetting that the content of these reports raises fresh fears about the falling standard of journalism in our dear country; given especially that mere insinuations (rather than statement of proofs) could be elevated in such manner by any national daily.
“Secondly, it is pertinent to add that although an earlier communication on this subject matter was from the House, the scheduled hearing on 27th February 2024 is organised by a Joint Senate and House Committee on TETFund.
“A similar approach was employed during Budget Defence by the various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Parastatals and Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) during consideration of the 2024 Appropriation Bill (now Act).
“We believe that the action of holding Joint Committee meetings where necessary, allays whatever fears (due to cost and sundry reasons) such that agencies of government will have to interface with the so-called “duplicated committees,” as insinuated in one of the reports.
“Thirdly, it is also well known that there are established channels for these “complainants” to lay whatever complains they may have against the invitation handed them or the content of the letter in itself. In this regard, neither the CVCNU nor TETFund has made any formal complaint or claims against the Committee or the said invitation.
“Since we have not received any such complaints, we believe the false narratives being peddled are not the positions of the tertiary institutions’ administrators, but a few among them who have a lot to fear and consequently seek to hide, and have jettisoned formal channels and opted for coordinated sponsored smear campaigns against the Committee.
“Finally, it is on record that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) wrote to some universities in July 2023, as part of its investigation into alleged Violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
“The ICPC had in its letter requested these universities to direct some of its staff to refund unutilised funds released to them under Conferences and ensure that the same is paid into ICPC’s TSA Recovery Account through a Remita Platform.
“As a legislature desirous of effective service delivery, the Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen-led House believes that such issues are avoidable where strengthened oversight exists.
“In line with our 8-point Legislative Agenda, Strengthening Good Governance is the first among the eight priorities of this Assembly so listed. Anti-corruption and legislative oversight are key pillars in these efforts at strengthening good governance.
“It therefore follows that hearings such as these are to be recognised and respected as part of legislative initiatives to strengthen our oversight functions to combat corruption in Nigeria.”
