Drama as JAMB’s team storms out of House of Reps hearing
By Habiba Kaita
There was drama at the National Assembly on Wednesday when officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out of a House of Representatives hearing in Abuja.
It occurred during a review of JAMB’s 2023–2024 financial records, including how much the agency earned and sent to the federal account.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB’s Registrar, did not attend the session but sent Mr. Mufutau Bello, a director in his office, to represent him. During the meeting, Bello asked the committee to send journalists out of the room, saying some of the documents he brought were “sensitive.”
The request was refused, and they were informed that the hearing must remain open to the public. In protest, Bello told his team to pack up and left the meeting.
The committee chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, called the walkout “unacceptable” and said the House had written three times asking the JAMB boss to appear in person. He said it was wrong for the registrar to send a representative again.
Oforji then ordered for the arrest of the JAMB team, but they had already left the building. The committee later issued a new summons, giving the registrar until Tuesday, November 4, to appear with all the needed documents.
Lawmakers also warned that if Professor Oloyede fails to show up, he could face contempt charges under the 1999 Constitution.
The 1999 Constitution gives the National Assembly the right to question any government official or agency about how public money is used. This is found in Sections 88 and 89. The law allows lawmakers to invite anyone to speak or bring documents. If the person refuses, the Assembly can order their arrest or punishment for disobeying. In this case, if Professor Oloyede ignores the summons, lawmakers can legally force him to appear before them.
Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives said the agency’s behaviour was “disrespectful to Nigerians,” adding that lawmakers have a constitutional duty to check how public funds are used. He joked that Nigerians had once heard of “snakes swallowing money” and hinted this might be another case of hidden funds.
Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, another member also said no agency should tell the parliament how to do its job, adding that the public has a right to know how government money is spent.
The investigation is said to be continuing next week.
