By Omodele Adigun
Charles E. Emukowhate’s reappointment as Commissioner of Finance in the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has been suspended by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service. The decision follows allegations that he failed to prepare financial accounts for four years and held two federal government positions simultaneously.
A petition revealing the dual federal appointment of Emukowhate and lack of accountability, bordering on non-rendition of financial accounts of a federal financial institution, was the fly in the ointment, and capable of leading to Emukowhate forfeiting the two positions.
The allegation of non-rendition of financial statements for four years is grievous, and Emukowhate could be liable to prosecution for violating the provision of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) Act, which requires that all institutions submit their audited financial statements to the Council annually.
The petition reveals that as the Finance commissioner of PenCom, Emukowhate is also a board Member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), representing Delta state.
The decision was taken during the screening of nominees for reappointment and confirmation as members of the PENCOM Board at the National Assembly. The session, which had earlier gone smoothly, took a dramatic turn when the petition against Emukowhate was read before the committee.
According to the petition, Emukowhate was accused of holding two public offices simultaneously, serving as Commissioner for Finance in PENCOM and as a Board Member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who presided over the session, described the allegations as serious and weighty, insisting that the committee could not go ahead with his reappointment until the issues raised were properly investigated.
“The committee received a petition alleging that Charles Emukowhate currently holds two federal positions as Commissioner for Finance in PENCOM and as a Board Member of the South-South Development Commission. This is a clear violation of public service regulations and constitutional provisions,” Fasuyi stated.
The lawmaker further revealed that the committee had received credible reports indicating that under Emukowhate’s watch as Finance Commissioner, PENCOM had failed to submit any audited financial report for the past four years, a breach of financial accountability and transparency standards.
“These are serious issues that border on accountability and integrity. The Commission has not rendered any financial account for four years, which raises questions about transparency in its financial management. Until these issues are clarified, we cannot proceed with his reappointment,” Fasuyi added.
Following deliberations, the committee resolved to step down Emukowhate’s screening pending further investigation into the allegations against him.
However, other nominees for the PENCOM Board were screened and cleared by the committee after being found qualified and meeting all statutory requirements. Those cleared include the reappointed Board Chairman, Opeyemi Agbaje, among others.
Senator Fasuyi commended the cleared nominees for their competence, assuring that the committee remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s pension administration system and promoting transparency in the management of retirees’ funds.
Meanwhile, constitutional provisions strictly prohibit dual appointments in the public service. Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Fifth Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 2(b) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers state that a public officer shall not engage or participate in the management or running of any other public office, except as permitted by law.
Similarly, the Public Service Rules (PSR) 030402 classify holding two concurrent government appointments as a serious misconduct offence, punishable by dismissal from service.
Senator Fasuyi, in his closing remarks, emphasised that the Senate would not overlook any breach of law or ethical standards, stressing that the committee would conduct due diligence on the matter before submitting its final report to the Senate plenary for further consideration.
“The Senate is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process in all appointments. We must uphold the integrity of the pension system and ensure that those entrusted with public funds are beyond reproach,” he said.
With the other nominees cleared, attention now shifts to the outcome of the investigation into Mr. Emukowhate’s case, which will determine whether his reappointment as PENCOM Finance Commissioner will be approved or rejected by the Senate.
