Dogara, not security invaded my office to destroy evidence, Jibrin alleges

Abdulmumin Jibrin has said he was suspended and his office invaded for Speaker Yakubu Dogara to hold and destroy any evidence relating to the budget padding allegation.

The office of the former House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chairman was reportedly invaded by the Sergeant-At-Arms of the National Assembly, but he claims the action was carried out on the orders of Dogara.

Jibrin made the allegation in a statement on Friday, adding that the whole episode was only a defining moment for the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Part of the statement read, “The media witnessed the volumes of 2016 budget documents and 53 files that were carted away from my office and handed to Speaker Dogara. I have exercised extreme caution and refused to touch any document in my office since the crisis started. I have raised alarm that Dogara wants to destroy evidence, but the good news is that we have more than enough already in case of prosecution.

Read also: Return stolen money or else…, Jibrin threatens colleagues

“Speaker Dogara is playing God. I have become vulnerable in the face of frequent threats to my life and some of the security personnel attached to me were suddenly withdrawn.

“This episode is a defining moment for the fight against corruption in Nigeria I wish to plead to the general public that we should concentrate on the grievous allegations I have raised rather than unfairly attacking me, the messenger. The fact that I am raising corruption allegations does not confer on me any immunity from being investigated if allegations are raised against me.”

Jibrin said the 359 members of the House were free to sign a corruption petition against him, but have not done that because there was nothing against him.

By Ebere Ndukwu …

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now