ADDRESS BY

HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

AT THE INAUGURATION OF

THE PANEL ON REVIEW OF CONTRACTS, LICENCES, AWARDS, APPROVALS AND APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY, 7 JUNE, 1999, STATE HOUSE ABUJA

Your Excellency, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

Chairman and Members of the Review Panel,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Let me welcome the Chairman and the Members of the Review Panel.

Let me point out here that the task of reviewing contracts, licences, awards, approvals and appointments made between 1st January, 1999 and 28th May, 1999 is an arduous responsibility which calls for a sense of fairness, justice and equity. Your duty in this very important national assignment is very demanding and daunting. It is helping to relay the standard of public service. And given your background and track records, I believe you are equal to the task.

The members of the Review Panel include:

(i)     Dr. Christopher Kolade               -       Chairman

(ii)    Dr. I. Ayagi 

(iii)   Dr. I.Y. Lame 

(iv)   Mr. V. Maduka 

(v)    Mr. Bukar Usman 

(vi)   Mrs. Theodor Azinge 

(vii)  Dr. Rose Abang-Wushishi 

(viii)  Mr. P.E. Odili                      -       Secretary

Your terms of Reference are as follows:

A.     (i)     To review and scrutinize approvals for contracts and licences made between 1st January, 1999 and 28th May, 1999;

        (ii)    To determine whether or not the procedures of award of such contracts and licences were in conformity with existing regulations, especially the open tendering system;

        (iii)   To determine the relevance and priority of such contracts and licences as well as justify expenditures involved in the light of prevailing economic realities of the country;

        (iv)   To determine in the case of all appointments into the top echelon of the Federal Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments the propriety of such appointments. Specifically it should:

                 (a)    Determine to what extent laid down rules and regulations including the principles of Federal Character were adhered to;

                 (b)    Examine cases of irregularities and anomalies arising from appointments, transfers and other mal-practices that are not in conformity with laid down Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

        (v)    To recommend as appropriate, re-negotiation, re-tendering or cancellation of the contracts and licences;

        (vi)   To recommend the cancellation and/or reconfirmation of such appointments as the case may be;

        (vii)  To consider any other issue which in the opinion of the Panel has bearing on its assignment;

        (viii)  To make any other recommendations which in the opinion of the Panel will sanitize the system of award of contracts, allocation of licences and appointments of Public Servants in the Public interest.

B.     The Panel is empowered to call for memoranda (written and oral) or witnesses as the case may be and all Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments are expected to give the Panel fullest co-operation and support.

This Administration places very high premium on the honest and responsible discharge of this assignment. You must, therefore, see yourselves as impartial arbiters. In this connection, you should be seen to be dispassionate, selfless and objective, so that your recommendations can earn the respect of all concerned.

In addition, your examination of all contracts, licences, awards, approvals and appointments should be done in strict compliance with the criteria of merit, justice, fair-play, prudence, the principle of Federal Character and in the public interest. You must ensure a uniform application of agreed standards and rules. You should be prepared to consult broadly with relevant organs of Government and government agents in areas of particular difficulty. We are determined to do everything possible to address all issues that tend to bring dissatisfaction, injustice and the perpetration of corruption in the Public Service. All the rules and regulations designed to promote honesty and transparency in dealings with Government activities and business will be restored and enforced.

I wish to emphasize that this Administration is determined to change our attitude to public office, away from what we could get out of the system to what we could contribute to improve and sustain it. You should issue periodic reports so as to de-congest the air phase by phase. But work out the most expeditious way of doing your work.

Finally, I congratulate you on your appointment and wish you success in your assignment. Please endeavour to take three months to accomplish your task.

I now have the honour and privilege to inaugurate the Panel on Review of Contracts, Licences, Awards, Approvals and Appointments.

Thank you.