Ugochinyere Denies Giving $1.7m Bribe To Speaker

House Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has denied allegations that he offered $1.7 million to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to secure his chairmanship position.

Ugochinyere in a statement in Abuja, describes the allegations as a “false and childish” attempt to divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry.

He expresses trust in the Speaker’s decision to dissolve the joint committee investigating challenges in the oil sector and praised the Speaker’s all-inclusive administration style.

Ugochinyere says he remains committed to his fight for good governance and will not be deterred by smear campaigns.

“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.

“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that those not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation of the 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 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.”

Oduyemi Odumade,