House of Representatives Embroiled in Controversy Over Dissolution of Joint Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation
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The House of Representatives has found itself at the center of a brewing storm following the dissolution of the joint Committees on Petroleum Midstream and Downstream, mandated to conduct a forensic investigation into the activities of the Oil and Gas sector.
The decision, taken by the House leadership, has sparked widespread speculation and allegations of bribery, prompting a swift response from the House to clarify the situation.
In a statement titled ‘Clarification on the reconstitution of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation’, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, explained that the House leadership’s decision was aimed at ensuring the efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation.
Rotimi expressed dismay at the speculations in some sections of the media, stating that the action was necessary to prevent any potential compromise of the investigation.
“The House of Representatives has observed, with consternation, the speculations in some sections of the media following the dissolution of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas by the leadership of the House.
“It is necessary to clarify that the action by the leadership was to ensure efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation,” Rotimi said.
However, the statement did little to quell the rumors, with allegations of a rift between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, as well as claims of a $10 million bribery scandal, continuing to circulate.
In response, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, dismissed the bribery allegation, expressing support for the dissolution of the joint Committee.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, stated, “The Deputy Speaker does not have any misunderstanding of any kind with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, and the House leadership on the development. The decision for the dissolution was a matter of necessity collectively taken by the House leadership and Kalu is in total support of it for a better investigative structure soon to be announced on the same subject matter.”
The House of Representatives has assured that the decision to dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee did not contravene any rule of the House or any law of the land.
The leadership has also emphasized that there is no rift between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and that they enjoy a robust and cordial relationship.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the House has implored journalists and the Nigerian media to verify their facts and crosscheck with the appropriate quarters before publishing information.
The House said it operates an open-door policy and remains open to the Nigerian public and the media regarding its activities.
The development has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the investigative process. As the House of Representatives seeks to navigate the treacherous waters of the controversy, one thing is clear – the Nigerian public demands answers, and they demand them now.
