The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has shared insights into the rigorous process that security agencies undertake when investigating ministerial nominees prior to their vetting.
He emphasized that nominees found guilty of crimes related to dishonesty or moral turpitude are promptly disqualified from holding office. Additionally, he pointed out that parliamentary candidates also undergo similar thorough background checks.
In a recent interview on Channel One TV, Hon. Ahiafor underscored the vital role these investigations play in fostering integrity and accountability within government appointments, thereby ensuring that only qualified individuals serve in public 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.
“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,” he said.