The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, on Friday in Abuja said that the House would not hesitate to punish any member using ?probes to enrich himself.
Tambuwal spoke at an emergency plenary session of the House to deliberate the alleged 620,000 dollar bribe given to Rep. Farouk Lawan, Chairman, ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy regime.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. accused Lawan and Emenalo of collecting 620,000 dollar from him as bribe.
The speaker said that the House would continue to act responsibly by instituting probes when necessary.
He said, “We shall insist on probity and fairness on the part of our members conducting such investigations.
“And we shall not hesitate to sanction anyone, who in the course of these investigations overreaches himself or uses the process to intimidate anyone or engages in corruption.’’
Tambuwal restated the commitment of the house to continue with the subsidy probe in spite of the allegation.
He said, “An act of an individual cannot negate the work of the whole House, we shall not compromise our position. We shall investigate anything that needed to be investigated.
“?Iwish at this point to make this pledge that the House of Representatives shall continue to act responsibly by ensuring that all investigations are instituted only when absolutely necessary.
“?Inaccordance with our legislative agenda we must continue to be, not only sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, but also proactive on all matters of urgent national importance.
?“?Icall upon all of us to remain firm, resolute and committed to the execution of our constitutional mandate whatever the hazards.
“We shall investigate everything that needs to be investigated in the process of fashioning a better Nigeria.’’
The speaker said the House would continue to seek synergy with the other arms of government to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. (NAN)