Editor
By Fatima Saka
Anti-corruption advocate and Member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has refuted allegations on Wednesday that he provided $1.7 million to Speaker Tajudeen Abass and House leadership in exchange for the committee chairmanship position.
Ugochinyere, who currently holds the position of House Committee Chairman on Downstream Petroleum, dismissed the accusation as “a low-quality unbelievable Hollywood production concocted in a room filled with paranoid oil thieves and their paid proxies, who are embarking on a futile mission to tarnish the House and its operational committees, in an attempt to divert attention from the urgent necessity for efficiency and transparency in the nation’s oil sector, which has significantly contributed to the economic crisis and foreign exchange challenges in the country.”
In a statement released in Abuja by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, Ugochinyere emphasized that only “an ignorant and immature mind” would entertain the notion that he handed over 1.7 million dollars to the Speaker, let alone issue a threat to someone he considers a close confidant and highly respected figure, including his competent deputy, Benjamin Kalu, and the entire team overseeing the legislative body.
He asserted that the claim is a baseless and “absurd delayed effort by individuals with vested interests in the oil and gas sector who are attempting to incite and divert attention from the pervasive corruption within the industry, by trying to besmirch the reputation of the House and deter dedicated Members from asking pertinent questions.”
Ugochinyere stated, “The entire commotion and fabricated fictitious narratives will not hinder the pursuit of transparency and efficiency. Those who seek to capitalize on the failed propaganda to sow discord within the House and instigate chaos through disseminating false information should realize that their scheme has backfired, and we are now aware of their identities.”
The Legislator expressed confidence that the endeavor to implicate the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, distinguished Members, and himself in a “Hollywood fiction story” is futile, and those who contributed to these stories will face legal consequences, including other defamation campaigns for which he will seek compensation.
In endorsing the decision of the House leadership to reconstitute the joint committee tasked with investigating challenges in the oil sector,
Ugochinyere expressed faith that the Speaker’s actions will facilitate uncovering the underlying issues without leniency towards those already apprehensive, even before the commencement of the investigation. He added that if establishing an ad-hoc committee to conduct the inquiry was deemed more effective, he concurs and will fully support the committee’s endeavors.
Ugochinyere remarked, “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional work of fiction aimed at inciting discord within the House to benefit certain criminal elements who are long overdue for imprisonment, thinking they can evade justice, which is implausible given that the call for transparency and reform is an imperative that will be vigorously pursued.
“Only an immature mind would lend credence to the poorly devised narrative that the Speaker received 1.7 million dollars for something negligible. We will not dignify this feeble attempt to distract and divert attention from the House’s investigation into corruption within our Oil industry.
“Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s inclusive leadership style has maintained stability within the 10th House over the past year. Their governance approach has played a crucial role in fostering inclusivity within the parliament. They have embraced a collaborative methodology that transcends party affiliations, fostering an environment where all perspectives are not just heard but valued.
“Therefore, we are unperturbed by the disjointed attacks and smear campaign against our Honorable Speaker and the House leadership. These are endeavors of unscrupulous corrupt elements to taint the media landscape in a desperate attempt to seek refuge from the inevitable consequences. I remain steadfast in my advocacy for good governance.”
