By Seun Ibiyemi
The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has directed the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to appear before it in person on Tuesday, March 2, following his failure to attend an investigative hearing.
The Chairman of the committee, Afam Ogene, issued the directive on Wednesday during a session in Abuja, warning against the trivialisation of official responsibilities.
Ogene also instructed the agency to submit a written response addressing issues raised by the committee within 48 hours.
“We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” he said.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Kwamoti Laori, representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, described the absence of the REA Managing Director as highly disrespectful.
Laori said such conduct should no longer be condoned and called for a warrant of arrest to be issued through the Inspector-General of Police.
Another lawmaker, Shina Oyedeji, who represents Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency of Oyo State, emphasised the need for public officers to render proper account of their stewardship.
According to him, the Managing Director had no justification for failing to appear, considering the significant public funds involved in grants and other financial commitments under the agency.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Corporate Services of the REA, Mr. Gboyega Ayoade, apologised on behalf of the agency and appealed to the committee to grant the Managing Director additional time to appear.
Ayoade said the absence was neither deliberate nor intended as a sign of disrespect to the lawmakers.
The REA is a Federal Government agency established to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved rural communities, with a mandate to lift more than 100 million Nigerians out of energy poverty.
