A tense standoff unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 29, when officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) abruptly walked out of an investigative hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
The committee, led by Hon. Oboku Oforji, had summoned JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to personally present documents detailing the board’s 2023–2024 budget performance, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements. However, instead of appearing, the Registrar sent a representative, Mr. Muftar Bello, a director at the board.
Drama ensued shortly after the hearing began when Bello demanded that journalists leave the room, claiming that the documents contained “sensitive information.” The committee refused, insisting that the proceedings were public and that only Parliament had the authority to decide the format of its sittings.
Following a heated exchange, Bello stood up, instructed his team to follow him, and walked out — leaving the lawmakers visibly stunned.
Infuriated by the move, the committee directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative, but he had already left the premises.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” Hon. Oforji warned that the National Assembly would not tolerate any act of defiance or disrespect toward its oversight role.
“We wrote three separate letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. Instead of appearing, he sent a former Director of Finance who accused us of trying to embarrass them. That’s regrettable,” Oforji stated.
He clarified that the committee’s intent was to promote transparency and accountability, not to target any agency.
“Our duty is to ensure that every institution under our purview is accountable to Nigerians. This is about openness, not witch-hunting,” he added.
The committee then issued a one-week ultimatum, ordering the JAMB Registrar to appear in person with his management team by next Tuesday. Lawmakers warned that failure to comply would trigger actions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower Parliament to enforce compliance.
Other lawmakers condemned JAMB’s behavior, describing it as a show of contempt for Parliament and a dangerous precedent for public accountability.
Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (Andoni/Opobo–Nkoro Federal Constituency) remarked that the walkout reflected a disregard for Nigerians’ right to transparency:
“If JAMB can walk out on the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to the people.”
He also referenced past scandals involving missing public funds, quipping,
“We’ve heard of money being swallowed by snakes. Maybe a bigger swallow has occurred this time, and they’re not ready for the autopsy.”
Hon. Rodney Amboiowei (Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State) criticized JAMB’s call for a closed-door session, saying it contradicted the principle of open governance:
“Public funds must be accounted for in the open. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is managed.”
Similarly, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake (Brass-Nembe, Bayelsa State) expressed shock that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing:
“It’s embarrassing that the man who walked out wasn’t even the Registrar. Nigerians deserve answers on how JAMB manages their funds.”
The committee reaffirmed that JAMB must appear before it next week or face constitutional sanctions for non-compliance.
.png)
0 Comments