As expected, the propaganda against the @nassnigeria has kicked off as a highly deficient reaction over our demand to see the list of beneficiaries of the SIP. The defence that the FoIA shields @FMHDSD from revealing the beneficiaries is disgraceful and untrue. /1 https://twitter.com/benigbakpa/status/1247965963624091648

The National Assembly is aided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which supersedes the FoIA. Section 88 of the Constitution empowers us to conduct investigations in (a) any matter. /2

(b) the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged or intended to be charged with the duty or responsibility for (ii) disbursing or administering money appropriated or be appropriated by the @nassnigeria. /3

If the claim is also maintained that @nassnigeria is not deserving of the list of beneficiaries as so deceptively said and they are empowered by the FoIA to withhold such information, we also desire, as empowered by Sect. 88 (2a) to correct defects in existing laws. /4

And (2b) expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within our legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by us. /5

Section 89 also empowers @nassnigeria on matters of evidence. We are enabled by law to procure written or oral evidence of from the @FMHDSD, direct or circumstantial and examine proof of beneficiaries as it is relevant to our probe. /6

We also have the powers to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in his/her possession or under his/her control and examine such person as a witness subject to all just exceptions. /7

Hiding behind and supposing to use the Freedom of Information Act as a justification for undermining the constitutional powers of @nassnigeria is very shameful and must be penalised as it amounts to refusal or deliberate neglect of constituted authorities. /8

What is so difficult in revealing the list of beneficiaries to @nassnigeria? Rather they turn to spread lies that Legislators desire to influence the list which is quite belittling. What we are doing is in the interest of the nation and to expose corruption. /9