The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges has been directed to probe a ‘$50, 000 bribe’ allegedly given to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the House, to ‘kill’ a motion to probe the controversial $9.3million seized last week by the South African authorities.
The smuggled cash seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli at the Lanseria Airport was intended for the procurement of arms from South Africa on behalf of the Nigerian government, according to reports.
However, a Tuesday motion to probe the incident was voted out without debate in contentious circumstances, causing a walkout by aggrieved APC lawmakers.
The federal lawmaker who made the allegation on Tuesday, Hon Aliyu Sani Madaki (Kano/APC) was yesterday sent before the Ethics and Privileges Committee to prove his allegation, a development that could result in his suspension, if he fails to do so.
Presiding deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who described the allegation as “grievous” and “regrettable”, threw subtle threats at Madaki.
“These are indeed trying times. For those who were in the last Assembly, I must also remind us that times like this have casualties and I don’t pray that any of us becomes a casualty… I am very certain that if you take your time to check the Hansard, maybe some that took some actions wouldn’t have done that… This matter is referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The committee is to report back in two weeks.” Ihedioha stated while delivering ruling on the matter.
Madaki, however, told newsmen after Wednesday’s plenary, that the bribery allegation was not a “rumour” but factual.
“As at today (Wednesday) it is no longer a rumour. I have the information that PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives received $20, 000, while senators received $50, 000,” Madaki said.
LEADERSHIP reports that communication from the PDP and presidency is traditionally routed through the office of the House majority leader.
No comments:
Post a Comment