The House of Representatives has resolved to institute a legal suit against the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, following the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum.
On Tuesday, the House issued an ultimatum to the minister to publish the names of lawmakers whom he claimed had received contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission.
House of Representative Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, asked the Clerk of House to engage the services of legal counsel, and instruct them to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury against the Minister. At the same time, we will instruct counsel to explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit.
He further disclosed that the House of Representatives is a public trust placed in our care for the duration of our term in office.
” We must prove ourselves worthy of this public trust or risk the censure of history, he added.
“Therefore, we will resist every attempt to undermine this institution, whether such attempts come from within or from outside. This is our commitment, and we will not fail.”
Akpabio on Monday testified before the House Committee on NNDC , alleged that 60 percent of contracts at the Commission were awarded to members of the National Assembly.
Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, who drew attention of the House to Akpabio’s allegation under matters of privilege, said his constituents have been calling him to find out if he benefited from the contracts.
Gbajabiamila, who said that his initial reaction was to have a good laugh, declared he will take the matter seriously.
He gave the Minister 48 hours to publish the list, including names of legislators, the contract awarded to them, when it was awarded, amount involved, and extent of execution of the contract.
