Having Failed The 48hrs Ultimatum, House Of Reps Seek Legal Redress In The Matter Of Godswill Akpabio

The Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Godswill Akpabio had insinuated that 60% of contracts awarded by NCDC were awarded to National Assembly members.

Recall that TellAfrica had earlier reported that the issue became contentious as house members disprove the claim, hence, the 48hrs ultimatum given to the Minister by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Minister has however failed to substantiate facts of the claim made within the speculated period.

As a result, the speaker had reacted in a statement shared via all verified social media platforms of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Find full text below;

“Last Tuesday I issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to substantiate his allegation that over 60% (sixty per cent) of contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) went to members of the National Assembly. I said then that the Honourable Minister owed it to himself and the country to provide evidence to support these serious allegations.

“The Honourable Minister has failed to respond to my request. Therefore, I must conclude that his statement intended solely to gaslight the nation to avoid accountability for the evident maladministration and malfeasance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“In my time in the House of Representatives, I have held every leadership position from Minority Whip, through to Minority Leader, Leader of the House (Majority Leader) and now Speaker. I recognise that the House has not always lived up to the high expectations of the Nigerian people. As much as we still have a lot to do in that regard, I refuse to sit here in good conscience and allow anyone to assassinate the character of the House in an attempt to deflect accountability for their conduct in office. Such mendacity as was witnessed at the public hearing will not be tolerated from anybody no matter how highly placed.

“This morning, I asked the Clerk of the House of Representatives to engage the services of legal counsel, and instruct them to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury against the Minister. At the same time, we will instruct counsel to explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit against the Minister.

“The House of Representatives is a public trust placed in our care for the duration of our term in office. We must prove ourselves worthy of this public trust or risk the censure of history.

“Therefore, we will resist every attempt to undermine this institution, whether such attempts come from within or from outside. This House will live up to the highest expectations of the Nigerian people. This is our commitment, and we will not fail.”

Thank you.
God bless you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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