The Senate has withdrawn its earlier resolution seeking the removal of the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, following his apology and pledge to improve engagement with the National Assembly.
Last week, the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Sani Musa, had recommended that President Bola Tinubu remove Magaji over his repeated failure to appear before the committee.
At Monday’s session, however, the committee reversed its stance after Magaji expressed remorse and announced the establishment of a liaison office to enhance coordination between the commission and the legislature.
The motion to rescind the earlier decision was moved by Senator Jibrin Isa and seconded by Senator Nasir Musa Zango Daura.
Addressing the registrar, Senator Musa criticised his previous conduct, emphasising the importance of legislative oversight.
“This committee is not happy with your persistent refusal to appear before it or sending junior officers. That is not acceptable. The Constitution grants us oversight powers over all revenue-generating agencies,” he said.
In response, Magaji tendered an unreserved apology, attributing his earlier absence to travel delays and communication lapses.
“Mr. Chairman, I sincerely apologise to the committee… We have now created a dedicated liaison office to handle interactions with the National Assembly. I assure you this will not happen again,” he said.
Several lawmakers subsequently appealed for leniency, describing the registrar as a respectful and committed public servant.
Among those who spoke in his defence were Senators Diket Plang, Ned Nwoko and Orji Uzor Kalu—the latter having originally moved the removal motion before urging its withdrawal.
The committee adopted the motion to rescind the resolution through a voice vote.
Despite the reprieve, the committee deferred consideration of the CAC’s 2024 and 2025 budget proposals, describing the submissions as inadequate. Magaji was directed to return on Thursday with a more detailed presentation.
What you should know
The Senate has reversed its earlier call for the removal of CAC Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji after he apologised for failing to appear before the Finance Committee and pledged better communication.
While the removal threat has been withdrawn, lawmakers have postponed review of the commission’s budget pending a more comprehensive presentation.
