Minority Seeks Parliamentary Probe Into Alleged Diplomatic Passport Sales

The Minority in Parliament says it will table a motion calling for a special committee to look into claims that diplomatic and service passports have been sold or issued improperly.

Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, outlined the plan at a press briefing on Sunday, November 8, as first reported by Citi News.

According to the Minority, the proposed ad hoc committee would review passport approvals and issuances covering the period from January 7, 2025, up to the day the motion is adopted. It would also be able to consult older records if needed.

Mr Abu Jinapor said the inquiry should determine how many of the passports were properly issued, which ones were obtained irregularly, and who should be held accountable for any lapses.

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He argued that the committee should be made up of members from both sides of the House and be given Parliament's full investigative authority. He pointed to Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, which he said empowers parliamentary committees to look into the work and administration of ministries and government departments.

Under the Minority's proposal, the committee would be able to summon witnesses, question them under oath, require the production of documents and ask for witnesses outside the country to be examined.

"The committee is ideally supposed to work as an investigative institution with all the necessary powers of Parliament to dispassionately and patriotically unravel this alleged scheme that has compromised our diplomatic and service passports system," he said.

The Minority wants the committee to obtain a range of documents, including passport applications, recommendations from institutions, approval letters, records of issuance and collection, payment records and related correspondence.

It is also asking for electronic records to be reviewed in order to establish which officials handled and approved applications, and whether any passport details were changed afterwards.

Mr Abu Jinapor named those he believes should be called to testify. They include the Foreign Affairs Minister, the ministry's Chief Director, the Director of Passports, who has been interdicted, agents who have been identified, relevant passport and immigration staff, and the people who received the passports.

He said the probe must expose gaps in the approval and issuance system and pin down responsibility for any misconduct.

The Minority also expects the committee to recommend sanctions, the recovery of money or criminal investigations where appropriate, and to propose changes to laws and procedures to stop similar problems in future.

"Where disciplinary action, recovery of money, or referral for criminal investigation is warranted, the committee must say so clearly," Mr Abu Jinapor said.