Reps panels bicker over jurisdiction

Two panels of the House of Representatives squabbled over jurisdiction in the telecommunications sector, Daily Trust can report.

The two panels are the standing committee on telecommunications headed by Saheed Akinade-Fijabi (APC, Oyo) and the ad-hoc committee investigating the administrative and operational procedures of the telecoms companies and assessing their tax compliance status, chaired by Ahmed Abu (APC, Niger).

Our correspondent, who has been following activities of the two panels, observed that members of the two committees are struggling to take control telecommunications issues.

For instance, our correspondent observed that the panels issued conflicting directives to the telecommunications companies, an indication that all was not well.

Weeks ago, the adhoc panel berated telcos for refusing to furnish it with certain documents, which the firms said they had submitted to the standing committee.

Also, Abu had directed MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9Mobile to suspend Value Added Services they operate with some service providers due to irregularities.

However, only last week, the Fijabi-led panel reversed that directed, saying the telcos should continue with the VAS business with the operators until all issues were resolved.

During the panel’s sitting last week, some members of the committee expressed anger that a “mere adhoc” committee was trying to usurp the powers of the standing committee.

The deputy chairman of the committee, Chukwuemeka Ujam (PDP, Enugu) told those invited that: “This is the standing committee of the House. This matter was as a result of a motion by the House and it was referred to this committee. We’re not unaware of duplicity of invitations. But we said seek protection from us.”

Also, Diri Douye (PDP, Bayelsa) in expressing his anger said: “I don’t think where you have a standing committee; an adhoc committee perform its functions. In fact, as far as the House is concerned, the lifespan of the adhoc committee is gone. We have raised this matter with the speaker.

“The issue of listening to any other committee doesn’t arise. Whenever there’s an issue between and adhoc and standing committee, the standing committee reigns supreme.”

Although Fijabi could not be reached for comments, a source close to him confirmed to Daily Trust that a tussle is ongoing between the two panels and that Speaker Yakubu Dogara was formally notified. Abu, on the other hand, did not answer calls put through to his mobile phone.