Improved earnings: Senate moves to probe finances under Jonathan

Strong indications emerged at the weekend that the Senate has concluded plans to probe the country’s finances under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The senate's resolve, it was gathered, was coming on the heels of drastic improvement in the finances of the country since President Buhari took over the reins of government despite further depletion in the price of oil at the international market.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki dropped this hint at the weekend in Ilorin during his meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 16 local governments in the state held at Iloffa Road.

According to the Senate President, what the leadership find difficult to rationalise after the exit of the last administration was that while the price of crude at international market had been further depleted, the finances of the country has markedly increased in the last month.

He noted that Buhari’s administration is determined to ensure that all campaign promises made to the electorates are fulfilled.

To this end, Saraki said the federal Ministry of Finance especially under former Jonathan may be summoned to come and explain the issue.

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led administration, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, had come under heavy attacks by the ruling APC government for the massive revelation of frauds allegedly perpetrated under the regime through her office.

President Muhammed Buhari has reportedly come under intense pressure from foreign countries and prominent figures at home to investigate the finances of country under the last government.

It would be recalled that the President’s visit to the United State penultimate week was centered on the resolve of his government to fight corruption to a standstill and tighten lose ends on finances of government.

“The increase in revenue generated in the month of July was an indication of the government to ensure that corruption on whatever guise is wiped out as loopholes from which corruption is being perpetrated will be plunge.

“The concern for us is that why the revenue generated in the month suddenly increased, the oil price dropped at the international market.

“So obviously, there had been outright theft of the public funds and the Senate may want to investigate the issue.

“The federal ministry of finance may be summoned to come and explain the sudden increase in the revenue, Saraki added.