In a dramatic turn of events, four representatives from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) were briefly detained on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services. This action followed the officials’ failure to satisfactorily respond to the Committee’s inquiries during an investigative hearing.
The detained officials included Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria; Angus Okeleze, Senior Deputy Registrar; Victor Odu, Acting Director of Finance; and Segun Jerumeh, Deputy Director of Finance. Their detention was prompted by a motion from Committee member Uchenna Okonkwo, seconded by Hon Marie Ebikake.
Read Also: APC Chairman Suspended Amid Allegations of Theft
The central issue of the hearing was whether WAEC is accountable to the Nigerian parliament. During his presentation, Dangut asserted that WAEC is not an agency of the Nigerian government and, therefore, not subject to parliamentary oversight. This claim was vehemently opposed by lawmakers, who argued that WAEC Nigeria, being established by an Act of the National Assembly, must account for its activities to the parliament.
The legislators emphasized that the National Assembly appropriates funds for WAEC, thus mandating its accountability. “I would like to move a motion that, pending the investigation into the activities of WAEC Nigeria, the invited guests before it should be taken into custody and held at the police post while we seek solutions for these issues they are bringing upon Nigerians,” Okonkwo stated, leading to the officials’ temporary detention by the Sergeant at Arms.
War: Angelina Jolie’s Dad Slams Her For Supporting Palestine
Amidst uproar and heated exchanges, one WAEC official protested, accusing the panel of unfair treatment. Following a brief closed-door session, the Committee resolved to release the officials but mandated their return at a later date with the required documents.
Committee Chairman Hon Oforji Oboku specified that WAEC must present audited financial statements from 2018 to date and documents related to a ₦5 billion loan obtained in 2022 for purchasing customized calculators, among other items. “You are not different from any other agency, saying you are not an agency of government.
WAEC Result Checker 2024: Everything You Need To Know
We are not here to witch-hunt you. WAEC is subject to Nigeria’s laws. We have reviewed the position and we have all the powers to oversight you. You cannot come here and say WAEC is not an agency of government,” Oboku stated emphatically.
The Committee has scheduled another session for WAEC to present the requested documents, warning of potential sanctions if compliance is not met.
