The scrutiny of ministerial nominees goes beyond the public vetting process, as revealed by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor. In a recent statement, Ahiafor disclosed that security agencies conduct thorough background checks on nominees before they appear before Parliament.
The revelation comes amid heightened debate over the integrity and suitability of individuals nominated for key government positions.
As questions arise over certain nominees’ past actions, Ahiafor clarified that the vetting process is not solely reliant on parliamentary questioning but is preceded by an investigative phase handled by security agencies.
“You write to the security agencies for them to do the background check for you. They investigate before you [Minister or MP] appear. An investigation is conducted, and the report is at hand,” Ahiafor explained.
He emphasized that individuals implicated in crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude do not even make it to the vetting stage, as such offenses automatically disqualify them from holding office.
“If Hon. Bernard Avle is supposed to be vetted by me, and there’s a report that you have been involved in fraud or an offense involving dishonesty and moral turpitude, which disqualifies a person from becoming an MP, then by that imperative, you are disqualified from becoming an MP.
The consequential effect of it is that you’re also disqualified from becoming a minister without even going through the vetting process,” he stated.
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