As the allegation of sexual misconduct against three Nigerian lawmakers by the United States Government continues to draw public fury, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has asked America to provide fool-proof evidence that the lawmakers indeed committed the crimes.
A lawmaker, Mohammed Gololo (APC-Bauchi State) was accused of grabbing a hotel maid and soliciting sex, while two others, Samuel Ikon (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and Mark Gbillah (APC-Benue State) allegedly requested a car park attendant to help them arrange the services of prostitutes during a visit to Cleveland for the International Visitor Leadership Programme.
The allegations were contained in a June 9 petition to Mr. Dogara by American Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle.
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The three lawmakers denied the allegations separately describing them as “totally false”, “calculated attempt to rubbish the National Assembly” and “a case of mistaken identity.”
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Mr. Dogara commented on the allegations, as he responded to questions thrown at him by Nigerians.
“He who alleges must prove,” he said via his Twitter handle @speakerdogara. “That’s the law.”
“As we speak no evidence has been put forward other than the letter sent to my office and copied to many others.
“Together with the US Embassy in Nigeria we will get to the bottom of this matter and until then let’s not be judgemental.
“Under our laws an accused person is deemed innocent until proven guilty and he enjoys the benefit of any doubt.
“Social media trial and conviction of members alleged to have committed the offence is taking up arms against our laws,” tweeted an “awfully embarrassed” Mr. Dogara.
Charged by Twitter user @saintyMartins for being “more defensive” than the accused lawmakers, Mr. Dogara replied, “what’s more offensive, to be defensive or convict people based on an allegation? Is that the standard in the US.”
Another Twitter user @akorive001 asked Mr. Dogara what his response was to allegation by activist Kayode Ogundamisi that he was shielding the accused lawmakers.
“Interesting,” the Speaker replied, “He (@ogundamisi) can convict if he likes but for us we must see the evidence (be)cos(cause) that’s what the law says.
“My position is very neutral.”
On the alleged “attempted rape” of hotel room keeper by Mr. Gololo, Mr. Dogara said the US Ambassador did make reference to that in his letter. “That’s a social media creation.”
Mr. Gololo was actually accused of “grabbing” the room keeper and soliciting sex from her.
He said the concerned lawmakers had indicated they were ready to stand trial in the US.
“They are ready to do that at their own cost.”
In further tweets, the Speaker, however, warned of consequences for the lawmakers if proven guilty.
“No ambassador brings dishonour to his home country without some dire consequences. This all members know.”
“The members are ambassadors of the House and indeed Nigeria when they were in the US, they mustn’t bring dishonour to us.”
The spokesperson for the House, Abdulrazaq Namdas, on Thursday said that the House leadership was investigating the matter.
He did not say how the investigation was being conducted.
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Yes, we should not be judgmental, but is there ever a smoke without a fire? ha..ha..ha! Our guys wanted to "browse" onyibo, most probably for the first time ever.
ReplyDeletePROVE ALLEGATION KO! LAW MAKERS NI!! BEFORE NKO? DOGS MUST DEFEND DOGS OR ELSE ALL MUST BE LABELLED SHIT-EATERS OR IS IT OYIBO-NYASH EATERS. LET THERE BE NO COVER UP. WE ARE WATCHING. YOU ALL ARE LIKE THAT ONLY THAT SOME WEAR THE GAB OF THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT: "DO NOT BE CAUGHT". THESE ONES DON'T KNOW THE TRICKS AND SECRETS YET. SHAME!!!. Jay 2, Abuja.
ReplyDeleteThey remain guilty until they are proved otherwise. LAWMAKERS
ReplyDeleteThey remain guilty until they are proved otherwise. LAWMAKERS
ReplyDeleteLAW BREAKERS AND OYIBO YANSH LEAKERS.SHAMELESS MEN OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH. WHO IS DECEIVING WHO? Jay 2, Abuja.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNobody can vouch for these dishonorable men of the house. They are disgrace to the nation.
ReplyDeleteIn due course US will make public their evidence. They cannot just scandalize them because this is a weighty issue.