Yesterday, the uproar was over the claim allegedly by a member, Hon. Ali Madaki (APC, Kano) that his colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were handed $20,000 each to frustrate investigation into the matter. The earlier rumour stated that $50,000 was given to the lawmakers to stop a possible probe.
The accusation caused huge stir and again disrupted the session at the commencement of plenary yesterday. It started with a Point of Order bordering on privilege raised by the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Albert Sam-Tsokwa, who prayed the House to begin immediate probe of a bribery allegation against PDP membe
rs.
Sam-Tsokwa had while citing the House Rules, raised concern over yesterday’s media report of walk-out of members of the opposition APC and a $50,000 bribe allegedly given to PDP lawmakers to frustrate debate of a motion on Tuesday which sought the leave of the chamber to commence a probe of the matter through its Committees on Defence and Aviation.
He said the report of the alleged underhand dealings by the PDP members to “kill” the motion on the floor had affected his reputation as a bonafide member of the party, and urged the chamber to cause its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to begin a thorough investigation into the matter and sanction the culprits.
A frantic attempt by Ali Madaki whose name was mentioned as the source of the bribery allegation, to explain, was declined by the presiding officer and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who prevailed on the lawmaker to sit down.
But protesting, Madaki who came under a Point of Order disclosed to the consternation of members that he learnt $20,000 was offered and not $50,000 as rumoured and reported by the media.
Ruling on the matter, Ihedioha proceeded with the session amidst the uproar on the floor and referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further legislative action. He said the panel is expected to report back to the chamber within two weeks.
source sun news
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