Steps down as accused lawmaker dismisses allegations
The chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing an alleged N33 billion malfeasance at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has stepped down, accusing a panel member of working in cahoots with the officials being investigated for selfish ends.

Barely 10 minutes into the committee’s proceedings yesterday, the Edo lawmaker stunned stakeholders when he claimed that Wale Oke was undermining the inquiry through his alleged romance with the PenCom personnel. Agbonayinma had last week disclosed that billions belonging to pensioners were allegedly withdrawn from the PenCom account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under questionable circumstances.He described Oke’s alleged conduct as infamous and unbecoming of a lawmaker who should pursue justice all times.

The chair claimed: “From inception of the investigations, his actions have been infamous and uncomplimentary. He made overtures in subverting the mandate of the ad hoc committee, which was disregarded on March 20, 2019.“He brought the Acting DG of PenCom and the Director of Operations to my office to know what it will take for me to scuttle the investigations. My reply was that the commission should submit requested documents as the committee intends to work judiciously as directed in the resolution of the House.

“From our findings, the body language of the honourable member is that of a commissioned agent and with a directive to stifle the investigations and subvert the report of the committee. It is very sad that a ranking parliamentarian is involved in these unwholesome acts. This is the hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob.”

Contacted, Oke dismissed the allegations, maintaining that there was no iota of truth in them.The accused, who also chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, added: “How and in what way. Let him substantiate his allegations with facts. They are false and untrue. He should not drag me into his woes and that of his daughter over their allegations of certificate forgery.

“The committee has the constitutional powers to do its job and submit its report to the floor. I have no business with PenCom. I do not own any PFA nor am I a director in any.”