The politician went on to say that the attempt to pull the Speaker and his name into a Hollywood fiction plot was futile, and that anyone who helped the stories in any way would face the consequences of the law, including other smear operations.
While expressing support for the House leadership’s decision to dissolve the joint committee studying difficulties in the oil sector, he stated that he trusts the Speaker’s judgement and that if forming an ad hoc committee to conduct the probe is preferable, he agrees with him.
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a Member of the House of Representatives representing Imo State’s Ideato North and South Federal Constituencies and House Committee Chairman on Downstream Petroleum, has denied giving $1.7 million to House leadership in exchange for the position of committee Chairman.
Ugochinyere, in a statement published by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, stated that only a foolish and infantile mind could believe that he paid the Speaker $1.7 million.
According to him, “it’s a false and nonsensical belated attempts by individuals with vested interests who wants to provoke and divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry.”
“The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aide 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.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given $1.7 million dollars for something that those not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on the corruption from our oil industry,” he added.
Ugochinyere further said, “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 one 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.”
Also, the House of Representatives said at no time did the House leadership or anybody receive inducement for the appointment of any committee chairman.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday, the House said it was an assignment diligently executed by the Selection Committee of the House between June and July 2023, which has a member from each of the states of the federation.
On the recent dissolution of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation, chaired by Ugochinyere, the House emphasised that the House leadership reserves the right to disband/dissolve an ad hoc committee whenever the need arises, and that the House’s action to dissolve it did not violate any rule or law of the land.
Concerning the apparent schism between the Speaker and Deputy Speaker over the dissolution of the Ad Hoc Committee, the House stated that “the duo enjoys a robust and cordial relationship.” The two Presiding Officers also have mutual regard for each other and will not let anything come between them.