Reps under pressure to probe petroleum committee over graft allegations
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
House of Representatives is under pressure by 23 civil society organisations (CSOs), to probe the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
This is even as it called on the leadership of the House to suspend the committee Chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The CSOs, in a petition, dated August 5, 2024, and signed by Leader of Corruption Watchdog Society (CWS), Olawale Akande, and 22 others, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, also demanded immediate reshuffling of the Joint Committee Panel on Petroleum Resources to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into the activities of the concerned lawmakers.
Akande cited alleged corruption cum extortion allegations; blackmailing and sponsorship of faceless groups and media attacks, and mischievous acts and internal discord by the lawmakers for the call for their suspension from the respective positions.
“We urge the inspector general of police to investigate this allegation and expose the lawmakers involved in this act so that they can be brought to book.
“This behaviour is not only unethical but also criminal. Such actions undermine the integrity of the House of Representatives and tarnish the image of our legislative body, it is imperative these allegations are thoroughly investigated
“These attacks, based on falsehoods and misinformation, have been aimed at Farouk Ahmed, Mele Kyari, Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Aliyu Wakili Boya, Ajilo Umar and Billy Osawaru.
“These media attacks are not only damaging to the reputations of the individuals targeted but also serve to create unnecessary tension and discord within the House of Representatives. Such divisive tactics are detrimental to the smooth functioning of our legislative processes and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“We, therefore, call for an immediate reshuffling of this panel to ensure the investigation into the petroleum sector is conducted in a fair and unbiased manner.
“We wish to emphasise that if these demands are not met, we will not hesitate to pursue legal action to ensure justice is served. The integrity of our legislative process and the reputation of the House of Representatives must be upheld at all costs,” CWS said in the petition.
