The senate has asked Attahiru
Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
to name national assembly members demanding bribes.
On Tuesday, Jega said the
nation’s lawmakers are notorious for demanding bribes with “impunity”. He made
the remark at a lecture to mark Democracy Day in Abuja.
Drawing the attention of the
lawmakers to the statement credited to Jega, Isah Misau, senator representing
Bauchi central, said his privilege has been breached by the allegation.
He said it would be in order to
name the lawmakers who are involved as it would help the government’s
anti-corruption war.
“I find it difficult to explain
to them and I feel that not only Professor Jega but anybody that would make
statements concerning the credibility of this senate and the chairmen,” the
senator said.
“I think you should be bold
enough to mention the committee chairmen especially when it is about fighting
corruption in Nigeria.
“If we really want to fight
corruption and want to help the government, he would not be making such
statements without mentioning the committee chairmen and those who gave him
that sort of information. I felt embarrassed. We need the Professor to throw more
light on what he made.”
On his part, Senate President
Bukola Saraki said he was embarrassed by Jega’s comment.
“All of us are committed to the
fight against corruption. But I believe it doesn’t help the fight against
corruption, it is a slight to the integrity of some of us, where such a
statement is made. If he has those kinds of evidence, he should bring it
forward,” Saraki said.
“Because to say that is to
suggest that every member of the national assembly is part of this. I think the
professor should come out and mention these kinds of members he is aware of.
“If he can’t come out and name
them, then he should not make such branding statements.”
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Even El-Rufai when he was minister of FCT. During OBJ. Has said the same thing and, any smoke there is a fire
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