'I'm innocent,' accused House of Reps member insists
The lawmaker insisted that he had been mistakenly dragged into a matter he knew nothing about.
___5165289___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5165289___2016___6___18___16___Reps-SAMUEL-OKON-IKON
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![Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has caught the attention of the EFCC only months after leaving office [KGSG]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has caught the attention of the EFCC only months after leaving office [KGSG]")
Ikon, a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Constituency of Akwa Ibom, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, June 18, that the allegation was in bad taste.
The lawmaker said that he was at a loss as to what the U.S. envoy intended to achieve with the allegation, insisting that he had been mistakenly dragged into a matter he knew nothing about.
He said that he was happy that the lower chamber had commenced the process of investigating the allegation, and expressed confidence that he would be cleared.
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He also said that he had briefed his lawyers to initiate legal and diplomatic steps to get to the root of the matter "to clear my name and the institution I represent”.
Condemning the allegation by the ambassador, Ikon said, "I wish to state unequivocally that this is false and definitely not me.
"This, to me is a case of mistaken identity and I will be vindicated. I have initiated measures both legal and diplomatic to clear my name and the institution I represent.
"There are many questions left unanswered by the actions of the U.S. mission but I believe it will become clearer in the course of time."
He urged his constituents and Nigerians to be patient as the truth would be unveiled, adding that God would vindicate him.
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"I want to reassure all of my innocence in this matter and I call on all relevant authorities and jurisdictions to commence full investigation to correct this great injustice to me.
"I have an unwavering faith in God to see me through this trying moment and plead with all not to be hasty in condemning me as the final outcome will surely clear my name.
"I urge for patience, prayers and God's abiding wisdom at this time," Ikon said.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, had last Wednesday petitioned the House of Representatives alleging that Ikon and two other lawmakers solicited sex from prostitutes in Cleveland, Ohio, recently.
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