The House of Representatives at its plenary session of Thursday, March 9th, 2017, voted against a motion seeking to investigate the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over abuse and violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Leading the debate on the motion titled ” Need to Investigate the Allegation of Abuse, Breach and Violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007”, Hon. Chukwuka Onyeama (PDP: Anambra) stated that the FIRS had been accused severally of breaching relevant provisions of the Act.
According to Hon Onyeama, a majority of allegations targeted at the revenue-generating agency bordered on awarding contracts beyond its approved threshold and noncompliance with the requirements of competitive bidding. He was also of the view that the abuse partly contributed to Nigeria’s current economic challenges and urged the House to investigate the allegations.
However, when put to question by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (APC: Bauchi), majority of Members were of the opinion that the motion lacked substantial evidence and as such should not be considered.