House of Reps may invite ex-President over Malabu oil deal

The House of Representatives might be inviting

This was made known in an official statement signed by the chairman of the ad-hoc panel, Rt Hon Razak Atunwa.

The statement reads: "The House of Representatives, by a Resolution taken at Plenary set up and mandated this Committee to, inter alia, conduct a thorough examination of the process and circumstances surrounding OPL 245 and identify culpability of any persons, groups or organizations.

"The committee is aware of recent information that have come to light, both nationally and internationally, indicating that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may have been complicit in the controversial OPL 245 deal.

"The committee is also closely monitoring the proceedings in the Italian Courts instituted by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in which Ministers in Jonathan Administration were mentioned including President Jonathan himself.

"These facts have firmly placed former President Goodluck Jonathan on the Committee’s radar. The committee believes that former President Goodluck Jonathan may well be in a position to assist it with its inquiries.

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"Accordingly, the Committee is considering inviting him to give evidence before it. An announcement will be made once a formal firm decision is taken on the matter. The Committee intends to be meticulous, thorough and comprehensive in its inquiry so as to bring about finality to this seemingly intractable matter," the statement reads in full.

This is coming after the ex-President's aide had denied reports that his principal knows little or nothing about the controversial oil deal.