By Henry Omunu, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected the report of its committee that recommended that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) withdraw the termination of contract letter it issued to Intels Nigeria in which Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a shareholder.
The House of Representatives had on October 2017 set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the process that led to the termination of the contract between NPA and Intels.
The ad hoc committee chaired by the Deputy Whip of the House, Rep. Pally Iriase had recommended that the NPA withdraw the contract termination notice it issued Intels since the firm has complied with the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.
Also, the House committee recommended that Intels and NPA sign a new standard operating procedure in the supplemental agreement which should be in the best interest of Nigeria, while a schedule for the repayment plan for the amortization policy should be proposed and signed by both parties within one month.
Similarly, it said that NPA should henceforth, adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigerian Ports Authority Act in the administration and management of its operations.
Speaking against the consideration of the report, Rep. John Dyegh (APC/Benue), said that Intels is owing the federal government over $200 million.
He added that the executives of the logistics company also failed to appear at the hearing held by the ad hoc committee and therefore, called for the rejection of the report.
“Intels is owing the federal government $200 million and we have not seen any evidence that they have paid the money. According to the report, everyone came for the public hearing, except Intels.
“You don’t have respect for the House, for the committee, but you want benefits from the House. I urge the House to reject this generous report,” he said.
Also opposing the report, Rep. Sodiq Ibrahim said that “the contract was terminated on the principle of not remitting $200 million and the committee is recommending that Nigerians should go back into agreement with them?
“I think the House should step down the report and rework it; it’s a pro – Intels report.”
Reacting to contributions on the report, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Rep. Pally Iriase agreed that the report should be reworked.
He demanded that the House Committee on NPA should join the committee to conduct a holistic investigation into the relationship between NPA and Intels.
Other members who spoke on the report questioned the credibility of the report, calling for the rejection of the report.
Consequently, the report was stepped down by the leave of the House.
