Rivers Assembly: Summons PAMO VC Over Scholarship Funds Inquiry

• The Rivers State House of Assembly has summoned the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Services and other key state officials.
• The summons, issued under Sections 128 and 129 of the Nigerian Constitution, requires officials to explain the utilization of state scholarship funds.
• This legislative inquiry follows the House's recent rejection of a proposed N6 billion allocation for the university in the 2026 state budget.
• An ad-hoc committee is investigating all scholarship disbursements to PAMO University since its inception to ensure proper fund usage.
• Officials are mandated to appear before the ad-hoc committee on September 16, with warnings issued against non-compliance.

The legislative body's action underscores its constitutional mandate to summon individuals and demand documentation to facilitate investigations in the public interest, particularly concerning the utilization of state resources.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into scholarship funds allocated to PAMO University of Medical Services, Port Harcourt, by summoning key officials to appear before its ad-hoc committee. Among those mandated to attend are the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University, the State Accountant General, the State Commissioner for Education, and the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education. These individuals are expected to provide explanations regarding the disbursement and utilization of state government-released scholarship funds.

The legislative body's action underscores its constitutional mandate to summon individuals and demand documentation to facilitate investigations in the public interest, particularly concerning the utilization of state resources. Speaker Martin Amaewhule, presiding over the plenary session where the summons was issued, emphasized the seriousness of the matter and issued a stern warning against any failure to comply with the directive. The primary objective of this Rivers State House of Assembly PAMO inquiry is to ascertain whether all funds previously allocated to the university were indeed applied for their designated purposes.

This significant development, focusing on Rivers Assembly summons PAMO VC scholarship funds, comes shortly after the House rejected a substantial N6 billion allocation proposed for PAMO University within the state's expansive N1.8 trillion 2026 budget. This rejection occurred barely a fortnight before the formal summons were issued, highlighting a growing legislative scrutiny over public financial commitments to the institution.

Following the budget rejection, the House constituted an ad-hoc committee specifically tasked with conducting a PAMO University Medical Services scholarship investigation. This committee's mandate extends to examining all funds disbursed to the university since its establishment, ensuring accountability for how these resources have been utilized. A preliminary report from this committee, presented during a Monday legislative sitting, informed the House that invitation letters had been dispatched to the Vice-Chancellor, the Ministry of Education, and all relevant parties involved in the inquiry, as detailed in a statement from Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, titled "Rivers Assembly Ad-hoc Committee Invites Pamo University VC, Ministry of Education To Explain Scholarship Funds, Adopts Committee Recommendation On Sea School Isaka Re-Establishment."

The authority for these summons is firmly rooted in the Nigerian Constitution, specifically citing Sections 128 and 129. Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, who chairs the ad-hoc committee, affirmed that the committee's actions align with these constitutional provisions and other applicable laws, as they await the appearance of the invited officials. Speaker Amaewhule reiterated the House's inherent constitutional power to compel individuals to provide evidence and produce documents pertinent to its investigations, all in the broader interest of the populace.

This invocation of Nigerian Constitution Sections 128 129 summons underscores the legislative branch's critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The Speaker urged the committee to approach its assignment with utmost diligence, stressing the importance of affording all concerned parties a fair hearing throughout the inquiry process.

The ongoing Rivers Accountant General Education Commissioner summons, alongside the PAMO University leadership, signifies a robust commitment by the Rivers State House of Assembly to legislative oversight. This action sends a clear message regarding the accountability expected from institutions that receive public funding. The investigation into the N6 billion budget rejection for PAMO University and the subsequent inquiry into past scholarship disbursements are central to upholding fiscal responsibility.

By meticulously examining how public funds have been managed, the House aims to reinforce public trust and ensure that state resources are utilized effectively for their intended beneficiaries. The legislative body's insistence on a thorough and fair investigation highlights its dedication to good governance and the prudent management of state finances, setting a precedent for all entities benefiting from government allocations.

Compliance officers in institutions receiving public funds in Rivers State should review their financial accountability processes and prepare for potential legislative inquiries, understanding the constitutional powers of the State Assembly to summon officials and investigate fund utilization under Sections 128 and 129 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers