Reps uncover double transaction in ballot papers contract

The House of Representatives yesterday said it has discovered double transaction entry in the N1.15 billion contract for the printing of 2007 presidential election ballot papers which was awarded from the Service Wide Votes by the federal government.

Consequently, the House has summoned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Finance, Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and the Permanent Secretary, State House to appear before the committee for explanations not later than April 26.

Public Account committee chairman, Rep Solomon Olamilekan (APC, Lagos) who made the allegations during the committee’s meeting said available records from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have indicated “elements of double transactions.”

Rep Olamilekan said on April 17, 2007, CBN transferred N1.15 billion to the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for the printing of presidential ballot papers by a South African firm contracted to produce 65 million ballot papers at the unit cost of N16.

There was a memo from the President’s Chief of Staff issued to the Accountant General of the Federation to cause the release of N1.15 billion from the Service Wide Votes, he explained.