The Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Jon. Akin Rotimi, has called on members of the public, and any of the affected government entities to approach the House with evidence regarding allegations of bribery and extortion against members the ad-hoc committee investigating job racketeering in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for necessary action.
The Spokesperson of the House, stated this in a statement issued Tuesday while responding to the exclusive report by Premium Times titled, “Investigation: Nigerian Lawmakers Probing Job Racketeering Are Extorting Money From Agencies.”
He called on the public to take cognisance of the fact that following the serious revelations that have emerged from the work of the referenced committee, which have been well publicised and televised, saying it would not be strange for them to face unwarranted attacks on their integrity, individually and collectively, as a means of distracting them.
Rotimi stated: “In the referenced report, it was alleged that some members were involved in extorting some government entities, with a view to compromising the mandate of the committee. The House leadership considers these allegations grave and deserving of an appropriate response.”
“We would like to state clearly that we have no reason to doubt the integrity of the leadership and members of the referenced committee, who were carefully selected based on their respective professional pedigrees, competence, and character, to carry out this important national assignment.”
“We , however, invite members of the public, and any of the affected government entities with evidence related to the allegations, to approach the House for necessary action.”
Rotimi noted that the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has stated in multiple engagements that in line with the expectations of Nigerians, the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives will be a champion of anti-corruption efforts in this new dispensation.
He reiterated that members of the House would not be distracted from carrying their
mandate as enshrined in Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the National Assembly powers to expose corruption for the good governance of Nigeria.