The Nigerian Senate on Monday rescinded its earlier resolution demanding the immediate removal of Hussain Ishaq Magaji, Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), following his apology and explanation for repeated absences from legislative hearings.
The decision comes after Magaji honoured the invitation of the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, on Monday. Last Thursday, the committee had threatened to recommend his removal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to repeated failures to appear before lawmakers, which had frustrated oversight of the Commission’s financial activities.
The confrontation had escalated during the Committee’s 2026 budget defence and interactive session last Thursday when Lawmakers described Magaji’s absences as an affront to the legislature.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu moved a motion calling for his immediate removal, urging the President to terminate his appointment and even requesting a warrant to compel his attendance.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole seconded the motion, proposing that the CAC’s 2026 budget allocation be temporarily withheld until Magaji provided a satisfactory explanation, emphasising that fiscal prudence and legislative oversight could not be compromised.
At Monday’s sitting, Senator Musa acknowledged Magaji’s appearance but expressed continued frustration over his previous absences:
“You will send a junior officer to meet with the Senate or the federal government. That’s not acceptable. The Constitution grants us oversight powers over all revenue-generating agencies. At our last sitting, the committee recommended removal, but you appeared shortly after our pronouncement. We want an explanation.”
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Magaji apologised and cited miscommunication as the cause of his late arrival:
“Mr. Chairman, I sincerely apologise to the committee. I was returning from Lagos and asked my team to inform the committee ahead of time. Unfortunately, I arrived late. We have now created a dedicated liaison office to handle interactions with the National Assembly. I assure you this will not happen again. I take full responsibility and hold this committee in high esteem.”
Several senators acknowledged his remorse. Senator Dicket Plang (Plateau Central) urged the committee to grant him a second chance, while former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi cautioned that ignoring legislative summons should never happen again.
A motion to rescind the previous recommendation for his removal, moved by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) and seconded by Senator Nasir Zango(Katsina North) was unanimously approved.
Senator Musa reiterated the authority of the National Assembly: “The National Assembly is above everyone else. The Constitution empowers this institution to hold the President and other officeholders accountable, including impeachment if necessary. No one should take this committee for granted.”
The committee concluded that Magaji’s apology and the creation of a liaison office addressed their concerns, while reminding the CAC of its duty to provide transparent reports on revenue inflows and operational costs. The episode underscores the Senate’s commitment to accountability while balancing oversight with due process, sending a clear signal that public officials must respect parliamentary scrutiny
