Senate upholds ICPC’s mandate, rejects motion to suspend project tracking

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate has affirmed the statutory mandate of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track national projects, rejecting a motion seeking to suspend its ongoing monitoring exercise.

The motion, moved by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) during plenary on Wednesday, raised concerns regarding contractors executing federal projects and alleged challenges with fund releases and budget implementation.

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) opposed the motion, noting it was procedurally defective because it had not been seconded and lacked the consent of other senators, as required under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders. He emphasized that the ICPC is acting within its statutory mandate to monitor projects in line with principles of transparency and accountability.

Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau also urged that the motion be withdrawn, stressing that any concerns about the ICPC’s project tracking should be addressed administratively.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) added that only one matter of urgent public importance can be considered at a time under Order 41(4), and the Senate had already addressed an earlier urgent motion on insecurity.

Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio upheld the points of order, declaring the motion out of order and unable to proceed.

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