There was drama at the House of
Representatives on Wednesday as the legislature ordered an investigation
into the allegation that some lawmakers were given $50,000 to stall the
debate on the controversial $9.3m seized by the authorities in South
Africa on September 5.
The All Progressives Congress members of
the House immediately walked out of the chambers in protest against the
rejection of the motion, which was sponsored by the Deputy Minority
Leader, Mr. Suleiman Abdularahman-Kawu (APC, Kano State).
The session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihediohaý.
But, amid the failure of the motion,
there were allegations that members of the PDP, who opposed the motion,
took $50,000 bribe to stall the debate.
A national daily quoted a Kano State APC lawmaker, Mr. Madaki, as admitting knowledge of the bribery.
On Wednesday, a PDP member from Taraba State, Mr. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, raised the claims of Madaki under matters of privilege.
Sam-Tsokwa, who said his privilege was
infringed by the allegation of Madaki, argued that the lawmaker also
tarnished the image of the House.
“It is not to my knowledge that $50,000
was given to me or any member of the PDP for that matter. My privilege
has been breached by this allegation.” he complained.
However, there was a dramatic twist when Madaki was given an opportunity to speak on the matter.
The lawmaker now told the House that he too “heard” and not that he had any concrete proof.
He said what transpired was that the national daily called him to find out whether members took $50,000 bribe as alleged.
Madaki said he replied that he told the
newspaper he was not aware of $50,000 bribe but “I heard that $20,000
was given to members.”
Members reacted with a thunderous laughter after Madaki gave the impression that he too could not substantiate the allegation.
There was also no mention of the source of the alleged bribe.
