The House of Representatives in Abuja on Wednesday said that all that has happened recently in House is the price its members are paying for standing against corruption.
The lower house stated that it is committed to exposing corruption in the country in spite of the fuel subsidy scandal.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed (PDP-Kwara), who spoke at a news conference said that “In spite of the problem that has characterised the fuel subsidy probe, the House will continue to expose corruption.”
“We will never take side with corruption. We as Nigerians and representatives of the people; will ensure that corrupt people do not go free.”
Mr. Mohammed called on relevant agencies of government to implement the report of the House as regards the fuel subsidy probe.
“As a House, we are urging relevant bodies to expedite action on the report. Subsidy report is sacrosanct and should be implemented to the fullest.’’
He said that the alleged bribery scandal and subsequent reactions were deliberate to rubbish the report put together by the Ad hoc committee on subsidy regime.
The Chairman of the reps committee on Media and Public Affairs said the House had no issues with Femi Otedola, adding that there was no time that he was put on trial by the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the House.
“I want to correct that impression; we have no issues with Otedola. At no point in time did Mr. Otedola come on trial with us, he was supposed to come as a witness.’’
Mr. Mohammed said the committee is the only committee of the House empowered by law to hold its meeting behind closed-door.
“The committee has the choice to hold its meeting in-camera or in public.”
Mr. Otedola had appeared before the committee on Tuesday to state his own side of the matter. The businessman however refused to respond to any of the questions he was asked as he insisted on full media coverage and publicity of the hearing.
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