The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, dismissed allegations that he paid $1.7 million to secure the chairmanship of the committee as a ploy to divert attention from alleged corruption in the oil industry.
Ugochinyere, in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, on Wednesday, said the allegation was fabricated by individuals with a vested interest in the oil industry.
The House had, on Monday, relieved the Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), headed by Ugochinyere, and the Petroleum Resources (Midstream), headed by Henry Okojie, of the task of investigating alleged Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) racketeering and other infractions in the oil industry. However, no reason was given for the action.
Regardless, Ugochinyere says he agrees with the decision of the House leadership to dissolve the joint committee and appoint an ad-hoc committee to undertake the probe.
“The allegation is a belated, nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction, 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. The demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that the Speaker was given $1.7 million for something that those [who fabricated the story] are not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation into 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 the 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,” the lawmaker stated.
