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House of Representatives resolve to sue Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio
The House of Representatives has resolved to sue Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged perjury and defamation of the parliament.
NewsWireNGR recalls that Akpabio had on Monday, while appearing before the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission at an investigative hearing, alleged that members of the National Assembly get 60 per cent of contracts from the commission.
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, with the leave of the House on Tuesday, had asked the minister to provide details of the contracts between 24 and 48 hours.
At the opening of plenary Thursday, Gbajabiamila announced that Akpabio had failed to meet the ultimatum issued to him, to prove his allegation.
Gbajabiamila said he had consequently asked the Clerk to the House, Patrick Giwa, to consult the Legal Department on how to institute legal action against Akpabio for perjury and criminal defamation.
Read the statements by the Speaker 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 @nassnigeria“
“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).”
“I have held every @HouseNGR leadership position from Minority Whip, 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.”
