Senate Rejects Motion Challenging ICPC Mandate

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday rejected a motion seeking 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 Urji Kalu, representing Abia North, who raised concerns over contractors executing federal projects and alleged challenges with fund releases and budget implementation.

Senator Kalu proposed that the ICPC exercise be suspended 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.

However, Senate Leader Senator 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.

“By our rules, a motion can only be debated if it is seconded,” Bamidele said, emphasizing that the ICPC has the statutory mandate to track projects and that lawmakers’ own projects were being monitored in line with principles of transparency and accountability.

Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin also urged that the motion be withdrawn.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

“For the purpose of accountability, prudence, and transparency, the ICPC is acting within its mandate,” Jibrin said.

Senator Eyinne Abaribe (Abia South) added that, under Order 41(4), only one matter of urgent public importance can be raised at a time.

“The Senate had already considered an earlier urgent motion on insecurity, making it procedurally improper to take up a second urgent motion,” he said.

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

The decision underscores the Senate’s commitment to allowing statutory bodies like ICPC to perform their oversight functions, while reinforcing adherence to legislative rules and procedural propriety.