The House of Representatives plenary session was temporarily thrown into chaos on Wednesday following a proposal to halt an ongoing probe by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and replace it with an ad hoc committee.

The suggestion by some lawmakers triggered a heated argument on the floor, with members sharply divided over the procedural implications of setting aside the work of a standing committee.

Earlier during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam, had moved a motion on the alleged non-remittance of over N5 trillion in operating surplus and more than N11 trillion in government revenue by the CBN.

The lawmaker, speaking during the heated session, accused the apex bank of repeatedly ignoring invitations issued by his committee to explain its financial conduct.

He disclosed that, in the course of the investigation into the Auditor-General’s Report for the 2022 financial year and the administration of the Remita revenue collection system between March 2015 and April 2016, his panel had uncovered an undisputed liability of N5.2 trillion in unpaid operating surpluses owed to the Federal Government for the period 2016 to 2022.

According to Salam, the funds have remained unremitted despite several official engagements by his panel.

The submission by the PAC chairman escalated tension and triggered a rowdy session when another member proposed the establishment of an ad hoc committee to take over the probe, arguing that such a decision might fast-track the investigation.

However, many lawmakers strongly opposed the suggestion, insisting that the Public Accounts Committee—being a statutory standing committee—should be allowed to carry out and complete its constitutionally assigned mandate without undue interference.

The House eventually resolved the dispute and restored order following an amendment raised by Hon. Ahmed Jaha, agreeing that the Public Accounts Committee should continue with the investigation.

The House further directed that the PAC be empowered to compel the Governor of the CBN to appear before its next investigative hearing, scheduled for Monday.

Lawmakers thereafter strongly urged decisive steps to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds across all MDAs in the country.