The senate had on November 11, 2015 raised alarm over the alleged payment of N25b to one e-collection firm, REMITA, in one day as one percent of monies transferred to Treasury Single Account (TSA). I read the senate President's response to this particular issue of fund transfer between the REMITA and TSA but I deem it fit to define these two terms for better understanding.
»»REMITA; this is an e-payments and e-collections on a single multi-bank platform. It is a technology platform deployed by the Federal Govt to support the collection and remmitance of all government revenues to a consolidated account domiliced with the CBN.
»»TSA; is a public accounting system under which all government revenues, receipts & payments are collected into one single account, usually maintained by the country's CBN and all payments are done through this account as well.
Having known the meaning of these two words, I think what should come to our minds is how they (TSA & REMITA) will work along with the promised change by the government in power to fight corruption to the end. Though section 80(1) of the 1999 constitution as amended states " All revenues or other moneys raised or received by the Federation shall be paid into and form one consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation". The successful governments have continued to operate multiple accounts for the collection & spending of government revenue in flagrant disregard to the provision of what the constitution required. So, if this directives by the PMB, that all government revenues should be remitted to a Treasury Single Account, it mean his decision is in compliance with the constitution and also in consonance with the party's agenda.
Nigeria's senate President, Bukola Saraki said and I quote " no amount of blackmail or intimidation will stop the assembly from investigating the alleged N25b TSA fraud" Though; it was one of his errand boys, Dino melaye (APC-kogi west) that raised the alarm. What came to my mind immediately I read Bukola Saraki's stand on this matter is the role, which Kwara State Harmony holdings(a consultant company) plays in our dear state.
There are more than 20 state-owned companies in kwara state. Our government said these companies are just like drain pipes on the state scarce resrources rather than being sources of income to the state. In view of this; the gladiator (Saraki) under the tutilege of his class rep (mai-guard) engaged the services of consultant to conduct due diligence review of the state business entities. This review revealed unprecedented levels of rot across most of the companies and this led to the incorporation of Kwara Harmony Holding.
Here comes my questions to Bukola Saraki and his apologists. Is there any different between Harmony holdings and TSA?
Does it mean the consultants didn't collect any amount for their services?
Does kwara State ever reveal to the public how much harmony holdings is making from the state treasury?
Who are the people that are intimidating Saraki and Melaye not to blow their trumpet? Harmony Holdings was established, responsible and accountable to who? Does it mean the Senators are not aware of the existence of REMITA because the way they para-phrase it (25b to one e-collection)? Are they aware to their terms & conditions of service, including the fees accrued to it? The best word to describe Saraki's stand on this matter is" Hypocrite". In fact, it is an hypocrisy of the highest order. He collaborated with PDP to become Senate President and sanctioned some of his supporters for doing the same thing at the state level. Where are Gani Cook and others that were alleged of anti-party in the state?
TSA was introduced to help most, if not all the leakages that have been the bane of the growth of the economy. It is a critical step towards curbing corruption in public finance which is in line with the commitment of the current administration.So, if Bokola, Melaye & their likes in the hallow chamber could upturned (1% of N25b to TSA; whereas, the 1% supposed to be for REMITA and other stakeholders) the TSA's operation, in order to give it bad name; it shows they are the cog in the wheel of the country's progress. "IKU TOPA ELEDIYE KOGBO TUN PA ELEWURE"~~Bukola Saraki doesn't want to experience what he's doing to us in the state.
We are watching with keen interest as the film unfolds. God bless Kwara & FRN. God bless you all