I didn’t pay $1.7m bribe to Speaker to be given Chairman Committee on Petroleum Downstream — Rep member cries out
The Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has on Wednesday rejected reports alleging that he had offered $1.7 million to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in exchange for the committee chairmanship.
In a statement titled, ‘Threat/Allegation of Giving Speaker $1.7m – A Baseless Attempt to Divert Attention from Oil Industry Corruption,’ issued by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, Hon. Ugochinyere dismissed the claims as “false and nonsensical,” describing them as a misguided attempt by individuals with vested interests to provoke and distract from ongoing corruption in the oil sector.
Ugochinyere labeled the allegation as absurd, stating, “Only someone with a foolish and childish mindset could believe that I gave the Speaker $1.7 million.” He condemned the attempt to link the Speaker to such an unfounded story and warned that those involved in spreading these claims would face legal repercussions.
Expressing confidence in the House leadership’s decision to dissolve the joint committee investigating the oil sector, Ugochinyere supported the Speaker’s judgment, stating his trust in the Speaker’s decision to form an Ad-hoc Committee if it proves to be a more effective solution.
He said: “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aid some criminal elements who are long overdue for prison to think they can escape justice which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that those not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation of the corruption in our Oil industry.
“Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s all-inclusive administration style has kept the 10th House stable in the last one year. Their approach to governance has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity within the parliament. They embraced a collaborative approach that transcends party lines, fostering an environment where all voices are not only heard but also valued.
“So we are not bothered by the disjointed attacks and smear campaign against our Hon. Speaker, and the House leadership. These are efforts of unprofessional corrupt elements to pollute the media space in a desperate bid to seek cover from the inevitable that is coming. I remain focused in my fight for good governance.”
