By Abdulmumin Jibrin
Today marks one month since we commenced the struggle to expose budget fraud and wipe out corruption in the House of Representatives. It has been a month of startling revelations; thirty days of threats and intimidations; and 720 hours of fervent struggle to exterminate corruption in the lower legislative chamber.
Although it is trite to observe that corruption has eaten deep into the nation’s fabric, but the systemic corruption in the House, especially under the leadership of Yakubu Dogara, is second to none.
My resolve to champion this cause was borne out of patriotism and desire to complement the present administration’s anti-corruption war from the legislative front.
We have remained resolute and steadfast despite the blackmail, propaganda and campaign of calumny sponsored by Speaker Dogara and his cabal, while ignoring all the allegations raised against them.
During this period, they have struggled to settle on one single allegation against me or a single reason for “sacking” me that can stand the test of truth. Everyday the reason for “sacking” me continues to change.
The truth remains that Speaker Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa, Ogor and others committed monumental fraud in the 2016 budget which can be prosecuted under our laws. We will explore all legal avenues to ensure that justice is served.
I have stated severally that Speaker Dogara and the other accused Principal Officers have completely lost the moral ground to continue in their various offices. They should, therefore, reconvene the House immediately and step aside to allow for investigation without interference. Speaker Dogara can not be a judge in his own case, as the legal maxim, nemo judex in parte sua, provides.
I dare say corruption in the House of Representatives today is more than that of the Executive and Judiciary combined. We shall go on and continue to expose corruption and corrupt persons in the House. I have said repeatedly that I will continue this struggle even if I am alone.
It will be the 10th wonder of the world if Speaker Dogara and the three other Principal Officers are allowed to continue in office. It will amount to having a corrupt man and fraudster as Speaker – the fourth citizen of the federal republic under this dispensation which has zero tolerance for corruption.
This should go concurrently with wide ranging reforms to restore the glory and honour of the House. Obviously Speaker Dogara lacks the integrity to superintend over such reforms. That is why I keep emphasising that this whole issue is beyond Speaker Dogara.
Under Speaker Dogara, corruption in the House has gone nuclear. It is a known fact that legislative investigations are used as avenues to extort money in an organised crime aided and abetted by Mr. Speaker. This situation has gone so bad that members have named such investigations as “commercial motions”. The fact is corruption has become the biggest business in the House under Speaker Dogara and his cohorts.
I dare say corruption in the House of Representatives today is more than that of the Executive and Judiciary combined. We shall go on and continue to expose corruption and corrupt persons in the House. I have said repeatedly that I will continue this struggle even if I am alone. I wish to commend the efforts of other comrades and colleagues, especially members of the Transparency and Integrity Group for their courage in standing for the truth. I am confident that together we shall, in the end, conquer.
