PRESIDENT TINUBU PETITIONED TO STOP HIM FROM EFFECTING THE PLANNED PAYMENT SWAP
The nine oil-producing states in Nigeria, excluding Imo, have vociferously opposed a proposed payment swap by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to Tiaras White Consults Limited. This entity has been claiming to be the representative of the states, despite lacking any credible evidence of executing a contract on their behalf. The purported payment swap has been widely condemned by the oil-producing states, who have insisted that Tiaras White Consults Limited has no locus standi to receive payment for a contract it did not execute.
Zilcon Higgs International Limited, the original company that successfully executed the contract, had petitioned President Bola Tinubu, levelling serious allegations against RMAFC. The company accused the commission of attempting to pay Tiaras White Consults Limited for a contract it did not execute. Zilcon Higgs was contracted by the governors of the nine oil-producing states to recover USD 2,471,040,983.38 omitted in the recommendation of the FAAC Post-Mortem Committee. This recovery effort was a culmination of a painstaking process, which involved meticulous research and diligent follow-up.
The oil-producing states have filed separate suits before a Federal High Court, Abuja, rejecting a consent judgment obtained b Tiaras White Consults Limited. They insist that Tiaras White never executed the claimed contract and are requesting the court to set aside the consent judgment. This move is aimed at preventing the perpetuation of a grave injustice and ensuring that the legitimate interests of the oil-producing states are protected. The states are resolute in their determination to seek redress and ensure that justice is served.
A cursory examination of the facts reveals that Tiaras White Consults Limited was registered on July 26, 2023, a full eight months after Zilcon Higgs had obtained a judgment on the same work. This startling revelation raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of Tiaras White’s claims. The company is claiming a consultancy and legal fee of over USD 330,000,000 based on the consent judgment, a move that has been roundly condemned by the oil-producing states.
Zilcon Higgs has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The company has submitted its letters of engagement from the oil-producing states, which were later returned after verification with the states. This development has lent further credence to Zilcon Higgs’ claims and has reinforced the need for a thorough investigation into the activities of Tiaras White Consults Limited.
The EFCC has interrogated Alhaji M.B Shehu and other staff of RMAFC who were privy to the subject matter. Zilcon Higgs has expressed shock that the RMAFC Chairman continues to deny knowledge of their work and engagement letters despite acknowledging receipt of their letter. This apparent discrepancy has raised concerns about the integrity of the RMAFC Chairman and the need for his actions to be scrutinized.
The oil-producing states are being denied their payment based on the judgment of November 29, 2022, despite the constitutional mandate for such payment. Zilcon Higgs is calling for the investigation of the RMAFC Chairman, citing the need for persons of unquestionable integrity with requisite qualifications and experience to hold such positions. The company’s petition has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and the importance of protecting the legitimate interests of stakeholders.
President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability is commendable, and it’s essential to uphold these values in the face of this controversy. The alleged attempt to pay Tiaras White Consults Limited for a contract it did not execute raises serious concerns about the integrity of the commission. In light of these developments, it’s crucial to take decisive action to restore public trust and demonstrate a commitment to justice. This can be achieved by sacking and dismissing those involved in the case, including the RMAFC Chairman, M.B Shehu.
Ultimately, President Tinubu must take decisive action to address the controversy surrounding the RMAFC and Tiaras White Consults Limited. By sacking and dismissing those involved, conducting a comprehensive investigation, and upholding the values of transparency and accountability, he can restore public trust and ensure that his administration is committed to justice and integrity. This move will also demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and his willingness to take tough decisions to ensure that Nigeria’s institutions are effective and accountable.
