The House of Representatives committee on Renewable Energy has mandated the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, to appear before the committee on Tuesday, March 2.

The Chairman of the committee, Afam Ogene, gave the mandate during an investigative hearing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Ogene who cautioned against trivialising official duties, directed the agency to send a written response on issues raised by the committee and present it within 48 hours.

He said, “We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution as amended.”

Earlier, a member of the committee, Kwamoti Laori, representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde, Adamawa State, described the failure of the REA MD to appear before it as highly disrespectful.

Mr Laori said that such act of disrespect must not be condoned any more as he called for a warrant of arrest to be issued through the Inspector-General of Police.

Also speaking, a member of the committee, Shina Oyedeji, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa constituency, Oyo State, expressed the imperatives of giving account stewardship by public officers.

According to him, the MD of REA has no excuse not to appear in person in view of the huge amount of money in terms of grants and others involved.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Cooperate Services, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Gboyega Ayoade, pleaded with the vommittee to give the MD some time to appear before it.

Mr Ayoade who tendered an unreserved apology on behalf of the the agency, said that the absence of the MD was not deliberate or meant to disrespect the committee.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is a Federal Government agency established to enhance electricity access in unserved and underserved rural communities.

The aim of the agency is to uplift more than 100 million Nigerians from energy poverty. 

(NAN)