Senate Rejects Orji Kalu’s Motion, Upholds ICPC Mandate

The Nigerian Senate has rejected a motion to suspend the ongoing national project-tracking exercise conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The motion was moved by Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North, who raised concerns over contractors executing federal projects and alleged challenges with fund releases and budget implementation.

Kalu proposed suspending the ICPC exercise pending a comprehensive legislative review and the constitution of an ad-hoc committee to investigate its modalities, legal framework, and operational scope.

He also suggested that the committee engage key stakeholders, including ICPC, the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant-General and relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

But, the Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) opposed the motion, describing it as procedurally defective.

He noted that the motion had not been seconded and the consent of other senators had not been sought, as required under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders.

The deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin, also urged that the motion be withdrawn. While describing Kalu as a respected and experienced legislator, Jibrin noted that any concerns about ICPC’s project tracking should be addressed administratively.

Responding, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, upheld the point of order, declaring the motion out of order and unable to proceed.