The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Monday called for probe of the alleged $600,000 bribe against a “key member” of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Malam Auwal Ibrahim, executive director of CISLAC.
The statement called on the National Assembly and the executive arm of government “ not to let the current scandal serve as a straw to bury the probe report under the carpet”.
It advised the leadership of the House to urgently institute thorough investigation into the alleged bribe and involve anti-graft agencies to also probe the circumstances and reality of all claims.
“Those indicted by the report may go to their wits end in order to rubbish an exercise that is widely applauded by Nigerians in view of the nasty dealings it uncovered”, CISLAC said.
The organisation warned that the outcome of the probe panel should not be tampered with but should be implemented by the Federal Government to the letter.
The organisation warned that any attempt to foot-drag in implementing the report, as endorsed by the larger House would be viewed by the public “as a lame to thwart the entire report”.
According to the statement, the 7thSession of the House of Representatives enjoyed tremendous respect and goodwill from the public.
“It should therefore shun sentiment and do all that is needed to be done to clear its name from this odious allegation.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Chairman, House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee, on fuel subsidy regime .Rep. Farouk Lawan was accused of collecting a $600,000 bribe from an oil marketer.
Faruk, who reacted to the allegation, described that development as part of a larger plot to discredit the report.
He, however, said that the move came “a little too late”. (NAN)