Egbetokun explained that his inability to attend previous sessions was due to conflicting security commitments.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has finally honored the Senate’s summons after repeated invitations and warnings of possible arrest for non-compliance.
Egbetokun appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) on Tuesday, explaining that his inability to attend previous sessions was due to conflicting security commitments.
Senate’s warning on legislative oversight
Last week, the Chairman of SPAC, Senator Aliyu Wadada Ahmed (SDP, Nasarawa West), issued a stern warning to top government officials who had repeatedly failed to appear before the committee to address audit queries. He specifically named the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and other heads of key government agencies.
Expressing frustration over what he described as a blatant disregard for legislative authority, Wadada warned that officials who continued to ignore Senate invitations would not only face arrest but could also be recommended for removal from office.
IGP Egbetokun’s apology and explanation
In his remarks before the committee, Egbetokun emphasised his respect for the Senate and the legislative oversight function, offering an apology for his previous absence.
He said, “It is out of profound respect for distinguished senators and for the distinguished members of the Senate, led by the uncommon President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, I had to take a break from my engagements today to be here.
“I want to apologise to the committee for not personally honoring previous invitations presented to me by this committee. It was not deliberate. The truth is that all the days that you have given to me to appear have clashed with other important security engagements.
“I cannot, in good conscience, promise you that subsequent invitations will be available to be heard,” he added.
Senate’s response and proposed alternative representation
Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who presided over the session in the absence of the committee chairman and deputy chairman, acknowledged the IGP’s explanation while emphasizing the importance of institutional accountability.
He said, “It is our duty, because of the cardinal responsibility of the IG in the 36 states and Abuja, you can take your leave after reading the queries and you can ask an officer to continue.”
He emphasised the need for a formal letter designating a representative in cases where the Inspector-General is unavailable in order to ensure continuity in the committee’s proceedings.
“We will need a letter from you, asking us that in the case that you are not available for this committee, this officer or that officer should be representing you, so that we don’t module what you are doing.
“We are doing this in the interests of the public. Some of the queries coming will be bigger than what you have today but when you go back, give us those officers in the case so that we domicile it here.”
In response, Egbetokun formally introduced Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Abdul Suleiman, who oversees police budget and accounts, as his designated representative for future engagements with the committee.
In his response, Ningi said, “In the past, we granted occasional relief for head of security agencies to take leave to provide us alternatives in accommodating issues like that. It is imperative to understand the nature of the Nigerian security situation and the prevailing disturbances. So i am sure we have no reason not to grant the IG this relief.”
Earlier, Ningi commended the IGP, using his appearance to send a strong message to other government officials.
He said, “It has sent a very clear signal that nobody is above the law if the IG comes in here and is here, then other people that are asked to appear before this house should get ready to appear or get arrested by the IG. It is important to send this very very important signal that we are not joking and we are not playing.
“We are working on behalf of the Nigerian people, so for me the appearance of the IG is more than symbolic. It shows the IG understand the law and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. It also further shows the IG understands the role of the public accounts.”
