SERAP asks EFCC to probe Speaker over N40b budget padding allegation

chika ebuzor

July 24, 2016 7:08 PM

Jibrin alleged that Dogara tried to make him cover up budget misappropriation.

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This is coming after Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin accused the House of Representatives Speaker and other principal officers in the Green Chambers of budget padding, to the tune of N40b.

Sahara Reporters reported that Jibrin alleged that Dogara tried to make him cover up budget misappropriation.

According to the SERAP Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni,“Jibrin said he has also been victimised for refusing to support immunity for presiding officers.

“Given the seriousness and gravity of the allegations against the leadership of the House, any investigation by the House would not be enough as this would not meet the threshold of an effective, transparent and independent investigation.

“Nigerians will not have confidence in the House investigating itself in this case.

“The Speaker must now move swiftly to refer the allegations to the EFCC and the ICPC to allow for a swift, transparent, effective and independent investigation in order to contain the damage that is already done.”

Leadership reports that Mumuni also said “SERAP’s call follows allegations by the immediate past Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmunin Jibrin, that the Speaker and three other principal officers of the House attempted to approve N40 billion out of N100 billion approved for members for constituency projects.”

Adding that “There must be full accountability for any leader or member of the House found to be responsible.

“These allegations also raise numerous questions about the need for greater level of transparency and accountability in the National Assembly such as telling Nigerians the salaries and allowances of Senators and members of the House.

READ: Abdulmumin Jibrin chairman calls for speaker's resignation

“Public auditing of spending by the National Assembly and why several concluded reports on allegations of corruption that have been investigated by the National Assembly remain shrouded in secrecy and skewed to favour suspected corrupt officers”

The House Speaker, Yakubu Doagara has however dismissed Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin’s allegations, calling it a joke

chika ebuzor