Reps want Gwarzo’s suspension as SEC DG vacated, searchlight focuses on Finance Minister

Reps want Gwarzo’s suspension as SEC DG vacated, searchlight focuses on Finance Minister

Barely one week after his suspension, the House of Representatives on Tuesday sought to reverse the suspension of the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, pending the outcome of investigation.
Gwarzo’s suspension was announced recently by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun over allegation of financial mismanagement. He was suspended alongside the Head of Media Division, Mr. Abdulsalam Naif Habu and Head of Legal Department Mrs. Anastasia Omozele Braimoh.
According to the Minister, the action was taken so as to allow an unhindered investigation of several allegations of financial impropriety leveled against the Gwarzo and two other management staff of the commission.
Many reasons have been adduced as to why Gwarzo was suspended. Aside, allegation of fiscal rascality, there was strong allegation of his decision to disobey the Finance Minister’s overture for him to block the forensic audit of the accounts of Oando plc, and oil firm that has been embroiled in several controversies with some shareholders over financial impropriety.
But lawmakers at the plenary Tuesday, resolved that the suspension should be vacated, and that all parties involved should “maintain the status quo” pending the outcome of the investigation.
A member of the House told our reporter that the probe by the House will also try to establish the culpability of the minister in the whole saga.