By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Senate Committee on Finance on Monday rescinded its earlier resolution seeking the removal of the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, after he apologised for failing to honour invitations and pledged improved engagement with lawmakers. The decision followed a motion adopted at the National Assembly in Abuja, where senators cited his absence at previous sessions as the reason for the initial recommendation to President Bola Tinubu.
Senate Reverses Removal Recommendation
Last week, the committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, asked President Tinubu to remove Magaji. Lawmakers accused him of repeatedly failing to appear before the panel.
However, during Monday’s session, Magaji appeared before the committee and offered an unreserved apology. He blamed his absence on travel delays and communication lapses.
“I sincerely apologise to the committee. This will not happen again,” he said.
As a result, Senator Jibrin Isa moved a motion to rescind the earlier decision. Senator Nasir Musa Zango Daura seconded the motion. The committee adopted it through a voice vote.
Lawmakers Appeal for Leniency
Several senators spoke in Magaji’s defence. They described him as respectful and dedicated.
Among them were Senators Diket Plang, Ned Nwoko, and Orji Uzor Kalu. Notably, Kalu had earlier supported the removal motion but later urged colleagues to withdraw it.
Furthermore, the senators stressed the need to balance oversight with fairness. They said the apology and new measures deserved consideration.
Committee Insists on Strong Oversight
Despite the reprieve, the committee issued a strong warning. Senator Musa criticised Magaji’s past conduct and reminded him of the legislature’s oversight powers.
“This committee is not happy with your refusal to appear or sending junior officers. That is not acceptable,” Musa said.
He added that the Constitution empowers lawmakers to supervise all revenue-generating agencies.
CAC Budgets Stand Down
Meanwhile, the committee stood down the CAC’s 2024 and 2025 budget presentations. Lawmakers described the submissions as inadequate.
They directed Magaji to return on Thursday with detailed presentations.
In response, Magaji announced the creation of a dedicated liaison office. The office will coordinate interactions between the CAC and the National Assembly.
According to him, the move will prevent future communication gaps and strengthen cooperation.
