Reps committee: We’ll ensure perpetrators of financial crimes face justice

The house of representatives committee on financial crimes says it will ensure that perpetrators of the acts are made to face the full wrath of the law.

Ginger Obinna, chairman of the committee, said this on Tuesday while addressing members of the panel at their inaugural meeting.

Obinna said policies will be made and existing ones strengthened to protect the nation’s financial system.

“Your dedication to our shared cause, tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice, and resilience in the face of complex challenges which include financial crimes and criminalities, illicit financial flow, money laundering, terrorism financing, advance fee fraud (419) cyber crimes are some of the menaces that are bedevilling our nation today,” he said. 

“More so, all hands must be put on deck to fight this monster called corruption.

“As we move forward in our mission, I have full confidence that our combined efforts will continue to make a profound impact on our society.

“Together, we will ensure that those who engage in financial crimes and criminalities are held accountable and brought to justice.”

Obinna expressed confidence in the ability of his colleagues to effectively carry out their duty, saying they should “set the highest standard”.

FERMA COMMITTEE: WE’LL REVITALISE AGENCY

The house committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) says it will “revitalise” the agency for efficiency.

Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting on Tuesday, Aderemi Oseni, chairman of the panel, said road networks in the country have experienced a “multitude of challenges”, including insufficient funding, inadequate maintenance strategies, lack of modern infrastructure, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“These issues have led to deteriorating road conditions, increased accidents, and significant economic losses,” he said. 

“Our task, as members of this committee, is to tackle these challenges head-on and rebirth a new FERMA that works.

“As we embark on this journey to revitalise FERMA and address the challenges plaguing road maintenance in Nigeria, it is important to first acknowledge the significance of our roles.”

The lawmaker told his colleagues that for them to enable FERMA play a critical role in ensuring that federal road networks are safe, efficient and reliable, they must identify the “numerous problems that have hindered” the agency’s effectiveness in the past.