Presidency Targets Diezani, MDAs As Salami Panel Gets More Powers

The Presidential Investigative Committee on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission led by Justice Isa Ayo Salami has been granted judicial powers.

The panel will operate in line with Section 1 of the Tribunals Inquiry Act (CAP T21, LFN, 2004).

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved public sitting and a report is expected to be submitted in 45 days.

The suspended Acting Chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, is currently under probe to allegations of fraudulent activities in the commission.

The panel will now investigate cases including the one involving former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Also, the $9.6billion judgment against Nigeria by Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID); complaints by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) in London; among others.

The panel will also look into controversial activities of ministries, departments and agencies.

Such actions include alleged non-compliance with presidential and ministerial directives; non-compliance with court orders; and non-compliance with procurement and financial management laws.