The House of Representatives has denied there is a rift between the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, over the dissolution of the joint Committee saddled with the task of probing alleged infractions in the oil and gas sector, or over any other issue for that matter.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, in a statement, on Wednesday (August 7), assured that the two presiding officers “enjoy a robust and cordial relationship” and mutual respect for each other.
The House had mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Petroleum Resources ( Midstream) to investigate alleged fuel racketeering and other issues in the oil and gas sector.
However, the House on Monday, announced the dissolution of the joint Committee, saying an Ad-hoc Committee would be constituted to undertake the assignment.
Rotimi said that contrary to speculations, “the action by the leadership was to ensure efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigation.”
“The leadership of the House reserves the right to disband/dissolve an ad hoc committee whenever the need arises. That the action taken by the House to dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation did not contravene any rule of the House or any law of the land. “
Furthermore, Rotimi noted that the House leadership did not receive inducement for the appointment of anyone as committee chairman in the House.
“At no time did the House leadership or anybody for that matter receive inducement for the appointment of any committee chairman. It was an assignment diligently executed by the Selection Committee of the House between June and July 2023, which has a member from each of the states of the federation, ” Rotimi said.
For his part, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, also denied the existence of any feud between Abbas and himself over the dissolution of the joint Committee set up to probe activities in the oil and gas sector.
The statement read in part: “Let it also be stated that the report of a shouting match between Speaker Abbas and Kalu during the recent emergency leadership meeting which the deputy speaker participated via zoom from a very noisy ward-to-ward, thank-you tour at Ugwueke in Bende federal constituency of Abia State is greatly unfounded, insensitive and senseless. The minute of the meeting is there and will convince anyone in doubt.
“The decision for the dissolution was a matter of necessity collectively taken by the House leadership and Kalu is in total support of it for a better investigative structure soon to be announced on the same subject matter.
“Moreso, the allegation of a S10m bribe is an elaborate hoax, a joke taken too far. It is ludicrous, grossly spurious and provocative. It should be completely disregarded. There is no report of any indictment and nothing close to it was mentioned with regard to the committee, their leadership or membership. “
Meanwhile, the chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, dismissed allegations that he paid $1.7 million to secure chairmanship of the committee as a ploy to divert attention from alleged corruption in the oil industry
Ugochinyere, in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Njesi, on Wednesday, said the allegation was fabricated by individuals with vested interest in the oil industry.
The lawmaker said he agrees with the decision of the House leadership to dissolve the joint Committee and appoint an Ad-hoc Committee to undertake the probe.
 “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aide some criminal elements who are long over due 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.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that is not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on the corruption from 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 one 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 campaign 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, ” the lawmaker stated.
