By Ibrahim Sulaiman
The House of Representatives has written to the Federal Commissioner of National Commission for Refugees, Sadiya Farouq, seeking response regarding the alleged diversion of dates donated to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The date fruits donation, weighing 200 tonnes, had sparked controversy, following the diversion of the consignment to market instead of sharing it to the refugees.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Khadijah Abba-Ibrahim in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Clement Aduku, had apologised to the Saudi government over the “unfortunate turn of events”.
“This is not the spirit in which the 200 tonnes of dates was given,” she said.
In a letter obtained by DAILY NIGERIAN, the House Committee on IDPs asked Ms Farouq to respond to the allegations against her over the diversion of the dates to markets.
“The committee at its 12th July, 2017 meeting deliberated on two petitions it received from the firm of Alawaye and Co – a Whistle-blowing Against Procurement Activities at National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons dated 27th March, 2017 and from Dr Abba Saleh on Alleged Diversion and Sale of 200 Tonnes of Dates from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) dated 15th June, 2017.
“I am directed to forward the petitions (copies attached) and request that you respond to the allegations raised by the petitioners.
“Your comment should reach the committee secretariat on or before 25th July, 2017 at Room 331 House of Representatives White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja,” the letter, dated July 11, 2017 and signed by the committee clerk, Wali Shehu, read.
