Hon Gagdi: Ad-Hoc Committee Closes In on Findings as Probe Enters Final Stage

Aduku marvelous
Nassnews

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating alleged financial irregularities involving public funds, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, has disclosed that the committee is set to conclude its public hearings and commence work on its final report.

Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Mangu Federal Constituency of Plateau State, made this known in an interview with NASS News, where he provided insight into the committee’s ongoing investigation and its approach to handling the sensitive issues before it.

The lawmaker, however, declined to disclose what he considered the biggest revelation to have emerged from the committee’s proceedings so far, stressing that doing so could amount to pre-empting the outcome of an investigation that is still ongoing.

According to him, the committee has deliberately adopted a cautious approach in its public communications to ensure that its eventual findings are not predetermined or influenced by premature statements.

“It is the decision of the committee to be careful about making comments that could be attributed to me as chairman or to any member of the committee. This is an investigative public hearing, and journalists are present to observe the proceedings and report what has been revealed,” Gagdi said.

He explained that making definitive statements about specific discoveries at this stage could create the impression that the committee had already reached a conclusion before completing its assignment.

Gagdi emphasised that the committee was committed to conducting the investigation fairly and transparently, adding that its responsibility was to examine the facts before it and present its findings to the House of Representatives.

He said the committee would, at the conclusion of its work, make appropriate recommendations based on its findings, including recommendations for further investigation or the recovery of public funds where necessary.

The lawmaker explained that agencies with statutory responsibilities for investigating financial crimes and recovering public funds would be expected to take further action where the committee’s findings establish grounds for such intervention.

He specifically mentioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force as institutions with relevant mandates in the investigation and recovery of public funds.

“Our responsibility, at the end of the day, is to make recommendations to the House. If public funds are found to have been misappropriated, we can recommend that the appropriate agencies, such as the EFCC or ICPC, carry out further investigations and recover the funds on behalf of the Federal Government,” he stated.

On concerns about the duration and independence of the investigation, Gagdi assured that the committee’s work was focused and time-bound.

According to him, the committee is expected to conclude its engagement with the relevant ministries, departments and agencies within the coming weeks, after which it will begin compiling its report.

He disclosed that several of the invited institutions had already appeared before the committee, while others were expected to participate in the remaining proceedings.

Gagdi also clarified that agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) were not themselves the subjects of the investigation.

Rather, he explained that the agencies were invited to provide relevant information and insights from previous investigations that could assist the committee in establishing the facts surrounding the issues under consideration.

“When we invite the EFCC, ICPC or the Police, we are not inviting them as institutions being investigated. They are appearing to provide information about their previous investigations relating to the matter, which will assist the committee in its work,” he explained.

The committee chairman said the investigation was progressing according to schedule, noting that the public hearing phase would soon be concluded.

He added that the committee would thereafter focus on reviewing the evidence and information gathered before finalising its report for presentation to the House of Representatives.

Gagdi maintained that the committee would allow the investigative process to run its full course before making definitive pronouncements on its findings.

He urged the public to rely on the committee’s final report and recommendations rather than premature conclusions, stressing that the integrity of the process remained a priority.

The ongoing investigation is part of the House of Representatives’ oversight responsibilities, with the committee expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the House upon completion of its assignment.