Ugochinyere: I didn’t offer $1.7m bribe for appointment as chair of panel probing NNPC

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the house of representatives, has denied bribing his way to becoming chairman of an ad hoc committee probing Nigeria’s downstream sector.

BACKGROUND

The panel, comprising the house committees on petroleum resources (downstream) and (midstream), was relieved of its responsibility on Monday.

Announcing the dissolution of the panel in a statement, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house, said Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the lower legislative chamber, will reconstitute the committee.

In July, the committee was inaugurated to investigate the importation of adulterated petroleum products and the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, among other energy issues.

However, the panel has been embroiled in controversies, particularly regarding the investigation of the standoff between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDRA).

The probe of the two entities has divided members of the green chamber, with a group of lawmakers calling for the sack of Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA; and Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Other legislators are opposed to the call.

‘I DIDN’T OFFER A BRIBE’

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Ernest Njesi, his chief of staff, Ugochinyere said claims that he offered the speaker $1.7 million to be appointed chair of the committee were unfounded.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Ideato north and south federal constituency in Imo, expressed support for the dissolution of the ad hoc committee.

“The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the house to aid some criminal elements who are long overdue for prison to think they can escape justice which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed,” Ugochinyere was quoted as saying.

“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that does not worth a penny.

“We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on the corruption in our Oil industry.

“Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s all-inclusive administration style has kept the 10th House stable in the last year.

“Their approach to governance has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity within the parliament.

“They embraced a collaborative approach that transcends party lines, fostering an environment where all voices are not only heard but also valued.

“So, we are not bothered by the disjointed attacks and smear campaign against our Hon. Speaker, and the House leadership.

“These are efforts of unprofessional corrupt elements to pollute the media space in a desperate bid to seek cover from the inevitable that is coming. I remain focused in my fight for good governance.”

‘I STAND WITH ABASS’

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house, said he stands by the decision of his principal to dissolve and reconstitute the committee.

In a statement issued by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his chief press secretary, Kalu denied disagreeing with Abbas over the dissolution of the panel.

“This clarification becomes imperative following the reports of alleged bickering between the speaker and Kalu over the matter,” the statement reads.

“We make bold to emphatically state that there is no conflict and has never been any between Speaker Abbas and the Deputy Speaker since they were elected the presiding officers of the 10th House in June, 2023.

“Both leaders enjoy a robust working relationship akin to filial ties and at no time has Kalu’s loyalty to the speaker been questioned.

“Abbas has explicit confidence in his deputy whom he publicly refers to as his brother, friend, confidant and strong support.

“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.

“Moreso, the allegation of a $10m bribe is an elaborate hoax, a joke taken too far. It is ludicrous, grossly spurious and provocative. It should be completely disregarded.

“There is no report of any indictment and nothing close to it was mentioned with regards to the committee, their leadership or membership.”