…Reports of S10m Bribe, Shouting Match With Abbas Unfounded
From Lateef Taiwo
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu has informed that he is in support of the dissolution of the joint committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) and (Downstream) probing the activities of the Nigeria’s petroleum sector, a decision recently taken by the leadership of the parliament.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker made available to Journalists in Abuja , on Wednesday.
According to the statement:,”the deputy speaker does not also have any misunderstanding of any kind with the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership on the development”.
The Deputy speaker further explained that the clarification becomes imperative following the reports of alleged bickering between the speaker and and himself over the matter.
“We make bold to emphatically state that there is no conflict and has never been any between Speaker Abbas and the Deputy Speaker since their election as the presiding officers of the 10th House in June, 2023.”.
Menawhile the statement stated that Both leaders enjoy a robust working relationship akin to filial ties and at no time has Kalu’s loyalty to the speaker been questioned.
“Abbas has explicit confidence in his deputy whom he publicly refers to as his brother, friend, confidant and strong support”.
“Let it also be stated that the report of a shouting match between Speaker Abbas and Kalu during the recent emergency leadership meeting which the deputy speaker participated via zoom from a very noisy ward-to-ward, thank-you tour at Ugwueke in Bende federal constituency of Abia State is greatly unfounded, insensitive and senseless. The minute of the meeting is there and will convince anyone in doubt”.
The deputy speaker equally disclosed that the decision for the dissolution of the committees was a matter of necessity collectively taken by the House leadership adding that he is in total support of such for a better investigative structure that will soon be announced on the same subject matter.
“For purposes of accentuation, the leadership of the two chambers of the national assembly is coming up with a new model on the probe which details will be communicated to the public soon. This has nothing to do with any allegation or offence on the part of the joint committee in question. Again, the minute of the meeting has no record of such strange allegation.
Moreso, the allegation of S10m bribe is an elaborate hoax, a joke taken too far. It is ludicrous, grossly spurious and provocative. It should be completely disregarded. There is no report of any indictment and nothing close to it was mentioned with regards to the committee, their leadership or membership”.
The speaker therefore used the opportunity to warn those spewing the reports and publications to desist henceforth as it capable of provoking legal suits that might disrupt the hard earned integrity and reputation of the deputy speaker.
“Abbas and Kalu are commited to working for the good of the legislature and the entire Nigeria by providing the needed leadership and guidelines meant to enable people-oriented legislations for good governance and the overall development of the country”
The statement said:”the Office of the deputy speaker is always open to provide answers to official issues that need clarification”.
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