$9.3M SCANDAL: REPS PROBE $50,000 BRIBERY ALLEGATION

There was drama at the House of Representatives on Wednesday as the legislature ordered an investigation into the allegation that some lawmakers were given $50,000 to stall the debate on the controversial $9.3m seized by the authorities in South Africa on September 5.

A move to debate the issue had failed on the floor of the House on Tuesday after the majority of members voted against it.

The All Progressives Congress members of the House immediately walked out of the chambers in protest against the rejection of the motion, which was sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Suleiman Abdularahman-Kawu (APC, Kano State).

Speaker House Rep, Tambuwal

The session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihediohaý.

But, amid the failure of the motion, there were allegations that members of the PDP, who opposed the motion, took $50,000 bribe to stall the debate.

A national daily quoted a Kano State APC lawmaker, Mr. Madaki, as admitting knowledge of the bribery.

On Wednesday, a PDP member from Taraba State, Mr. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, raised the claims of Madaki under matters of privilege.

Sam-Tsokwa, who said his privilege was infringed by the allegation of Madaki, argued that the lawmaker also tarnished the image of the House.

“It is not to my knowledge that $50,000 was given to me or any member of the PDP for that matter. My privilege has been breached by this allegation.” he complained.

However, there was a dramatic twist when Madaki was given an opportunity to speak on the matter.

The lawmaker now told the House that he too “heard” and not that he had any concrete proof.

He said what transpired was that the national daily called him to find out whether members took $50,000 bribe as alleged.

Madaki said he replied that he told the newspaper he was not aware of $50,000 bribe but “I heard that $20,000 was given to members.”

Members reacted with a thunderous laughter after Madaki gave the impression that he too could not substantiate the allegation.

There was also no mention of the source of the alleged bribe.