Allegations I bribed Speaker Abbas with $1.7m childish — Ugochinyere

The Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has denied the story making the rounds that he bribed the Speaker of the House of Representatives with a whopping sum of $1.7 million to secure his plum job.

Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, described such talk as stupid and childish.

Ugochinyere, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja issued by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, noted that those behind such tales were bent on diverting attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry.

He said the attempt to drag the Speaker and his name into a Hollywood fiction story is dead on arrival and all those who aided the stories in one way or another will face the wrath of the law, including those involved in smear campaigns.

Passing a vote of confidence on the decision of the House leadership to dissolve the joint committee investigating challenges in the oil sector, Ugochinyere said he trusts the Speaker’s decision, as he knows best, adding that if setting up an ad-hoc committee to carry out the investigation is better, then he agrees with him.

Ugochinyere said, “The allegation is a belated, nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aid some criminal elements who are long overdue for prison to think they can escape justice, which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.

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“Only a childish mind would believe the poorly scripted work that the Speaker was given $1.7 million for something that is not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation into corruption in our oil industry.

“Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s all-inclusive administration style has kept the 10th House stable in the last year. Their approach to governance has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity within the parliament. They embraced a collaborative approach that transcends party lines, fostering an environment where all voices are not only heard but also valued.

“So we are not bothered by the disjointed attacks and smear campaigns against our Hon. Speaker and the House leadership. These are efforts of unprofessional, corrupt elements to pollute the media space in a desperate bid to seek cover from the inevitable that is coming. I remain focused in my fight for good governance.”