Reps Begin Probe Of Missing $44m In NIA, New DG

By; IYOKPO J. EGBODO, Abuja
The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence to investigate the reported missing 44 million dollars from the vault of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The committee has further been mandated to investigate the controversy surrounding the appointment of the Director-General of the agency, Mr Rufai Abubakar.
This was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored under matters of urgent public importance by Hon.  Diri Douye, expressing concerns that the NIA was enmeshed in another scandal nearly two days after the new DG assumed office.
“The nation is yet to recover from the shock of the ‘Ikoyigate Safe House’ scandal involving 43.4 million dollars, 23.2 million naira and 27, 800 pounds, the report of which is yet to be made public,’’ the lawmaker said.
He therefore called for a thorough investigation into the issue of controversies  surrounding the appointment of Abubakar as the new DG of the NIA, adding that  the identity, nationality, citizenship and competence of Abubakar has become a subject of public speculations and debate.
“The controversy over the appointment and the cash scandal paint a poor picture of the country’s national security and diminishes the reputation of the agency,’’ he noted.
The Committee is expected to turn in its report within two weeks.