NASS Resumes Amidst Controversy

Showdown is imminent between lawmakers loyal to Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and former chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumini Jibrin.

Recall that while the green chamber was on recess, Jibrin had dished out corruption allegations against Dogara as well as the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun; the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor; and the Chief Whip, Hassan Ado Doguwa.

He had accused them of budget padding and abuse of office, adding that the speaker should reconvene the house immediately in order to answer to the accusations levelled against him, a plea that was not granted.

It was learnt that Dogara’s loyalists have perfected plans to press for Jibrin’s suspension following his accusations, but during a live television programme titled, ‘Politics Today’ on Channels Television, Jibrin said he will not be bothered if his colleagues took the action.

“On the issue of suspension I am less bothered. Perhaps that is the sacrifice I will have to make for the country and for us to be able to deal with the issues of corruption in the House but I doubt very much that the 360 members, having followed the events of last two months, and of course the letter I wrote to each member last week, I doubt very much if they will go on the floor of the House and start talking about suspending me,” he said.

Jibrin said, “Whatever happens on Tuesday and the rest of the days we want to spend in the House before the end of the year, one thing is certain and I say this without any element of contradiction; I will continue to pursue this issue until justice is served on Speaker Dogara and other principal officers whether I am suspended or not.”