By Editor
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has called on the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, to launch a comprehensive investigation into Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga led disbanded committee on oil industry, following alarming allegations of bribery and corruption.
Hon. Ikenga, who was a co-chairman of a recently disbanded committee overseeing the oil industry, is accused of soliciting a substantial financial bribe and boasting about paying $1.7 million to secure his committee chairmanship.
Addressing the press in Kaduna, the forum expressed deep concern over the accusations, which they claim threaten to erode public trust in Nigeria's legislative process. The stakeholders emphasized that such misconduct not only undermines the integrity of the National Assembly but also poses a serious risk to the nation’s democratic foundations.
In a text of the briefing read by spokesperson of the forum, Comrade Ali Mohammed Sani, in the presence of key forum members including the Convener Yerima Shettima, Secretary General Comrade Danjuma Paul, and Patron Abdulazeez Suleiman of the group, they highlighted the potential consequences of the disbanded committee’s actions. They warned that if left unaddressed, the alleged misconduct could undermine the trust of the Nigerian populace in their elected officials and in the legislative framework that governs the country.
The forum further revealed that its ongoing investigations uncovered deeply troubling patterns of behavior by Hon. Ikenga. According to the group, “as recently as July 4, 2024, unusual activities were reported around the House of Representatives premises. Subsequent inquiries allegedly revealed that Hon. Ikenga had engaged private investigators to gather compromising information for the purpose of blackmailing the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kalu Benjamin. “
The goal, the forum claimed, was to pressure the House leadership into allowing Ikenga to maintain his leadership role in the disbanded committee.
The forum urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to review CCTV footage from the House complex on the mentioned date, asserting that the recordings would validate their claims and expose the true intent behind Hon. Ikenga's actions.
The NSCF, in partnership with 72 other organizations, reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical governance in Nigeria. They called for a swift and thorough investigation, stressing that the broader implications of unchecked misconduct within the legislature could be devastating to Nigeria's democracy.
The forum however emphasized the need for all stakeholders to take collective responsibility in addressing these alarming developments. They advocated for a legislative process that is transparent, ethical, and accountable, one that genuinely serves the Nigerian populace and restores faith in the nation’s democratic institutions.
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