Reps to probe N500m Chibok school rehabilitation fund

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the N500 million reportedly approved for the rehabilitation of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno state. 

The resolution was passed on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Satomi Ahmed from Borno.

Boko Haram insurgents had attacked the school in April 2014, abducting 276 students, most of who have been released.

The Jonathan administration subsequently moved to renovate the vandalised structure through the safe school initiative programme.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, then-minister of finance, had also laid the foundation stone for the project.

Leading the motion’s debate during plenary session, Ahmed said while the federal government had announced N500 million fund for the school’s rehabilitation, “nothing have been done in the school and the school has remained closed”.

“The house is aware that the federal government under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan announced a 500 million naira fund to rebuild the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State,” he said.

Ahmed said there is an urgent need for the house to probe the fund, adding that the school is expected have a “state of the art” facilities when fully rehabilitated.

The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Femi Gbajabiamila, the speaker.

The house also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the project and report back to the house within four weeks.

Babagana Zulum, Borno state governor, had also ordered the rehabilitation of the school in 2020.