The Minister of Transport, Diezani Allison-Madueke and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Chukwuma Soludo were on Monday summoned to appear before the ad-hoc committee investigating the management of funds released for projects in the transport sector over the alleged withdrawal of N30.9billion by the Ministry between December 26 and 31, 2007.

Madueke was also to explain the statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Mr. Ammunal Lawal Ali, denying the alleged "panic withdrawal.'' The Senator Heineken Lokpobiri led panel was particularly angered by the aspect of the report which stated that the Senate was misled to believe the ministry flouted the order of President Umaru Yar'Adua that all unspent budget should be returned to the treasury.

A member of the committee, Ayogu Eze in confirming the summons said "We have invited the minister to clarify issues surrounding the N30.9 billion as well as her comments in the newspapers suggesting the committee is misleading the public."

Soludo on his part was invited to come with relevant documents relating to the withdrawal of the N30.9 billion The documents expected from Soludo include statement of account of the ministry including lodgings and withdrawals within the period. Meanwhile, Madueke, in another statement submitted to the panel declared that the Ministry did not have N30 billion in its accounts as at December last year let alone withdrawing that amount from its account.

Source: Guardian