Senate dares Jega to name bribe-collecting senators

Senate dares Jega to name bribe-collecting senators

OrderPaperToday – The Senate has reacted strongly to allegation by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, that members of the National Assembly are bribe collectors.

Senators, including Senate President, Bukola Saraki, expressed embarrassment at the claim and called on Jega to substantiate it. Prof. Jega had made the sweeping allegation while delivering a lecture on democracy day on Monday.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were present at the event.

Senator Isa Misau (APC, Bauchi) who was also in attendance at the event, said the embarrassment he felt was huge because his fellow ECOWAS parliament members who watched the lecture questioned him about the validity of the statement.

Speaking in a point of order today, Misau declared that Nigerians should be cautious when making such statements, noting that it “is very weighty because that programme was televised live. The thing they need to understand is that these live programmes are watched around the world.”

He urged Professor Jega “to throw more light on what he said” and “be bold enough to mention the committee chairmen especially when it is about fighting corruption in Nigeria.”

Giving his remarks, Saraki pointed out that the National Assembly is equally involved in the fight against corruption, and it would not shield members who are found wanting.

He said: “If he has those kinds of evidences, he should bring it forward. Because to say that, is to suggest that every member of the national assembly is part of this even those who are not part of this are condoling this action which is far from the truth.

“I think what Professor who is respected should come out and mention these kinds of members he is aware of.  If he can’t come out and name then he should not make such branding statements.

“Going forward to all distinguished and respected Nigerians, in issues that have to do with the institutions and a parliament, if there are cases like this, we have always said that we are not going to cover up for anybody and future accusations, they should name them and see what the institution would do in trying to ensure that the necessary sanctions are taken.”