Nigeria’s House of Reps Clarifies Dissolution of Joint Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation, Denies Bribery Allegations
Deputy Speaker Expresses Support for Dissolution, Dismisses $10 Million Bribery Allegation
The House of Representatives has responded to the recent controversy surrounding the dissolution of the joint Committees on Petroleum Midstream and Downstream, mandated to conduct a forensic investigation into the activities of the Oil and Gas sector.
In a statement titled ‘Clarification on the reconstitution of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation’, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, explained that the House leadership’s decision was aimed at ensuring the efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation.
“The House of Representatives has observed, with consternation, the speculations in some sections of the media following the dissolution of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas by the leadership of the House.
“It is necessary to clarify that the action by the leadership was to ensure efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation,” Rotimi said.
Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also dismissed the $10 million bribery allegation, expressing support for the dissolution of the joint Committee.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, stated, “The Deputy Speaker does not have any misunderstanding of any kind with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, and the House leadership on the development.”
The House of Representatives has assured that the decision to dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee did not contravene any rule of the House or any law of the land.
The leadership has also emphasized that there is no rift between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and that they enjoy a robust and cordial relationship.
The House has implored journalists and the Nigerian media to verify their facts and crosscheck with the appropriate quarters before publishing information.
The House operates an open-door policy and remains open to the Nigerian public and the media regarding its activities.
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