Sex Scandal: US will hear from my lawyers –Lawmaker says

One of the members of the House of Representatives accused of soliciting for sex during recent official trip to the United States of America, USA, Rep Samuel Ikon, has denied the allegation, insisting that his identity had been mistaken.

The lawmaker, who said he had briefed his lawyers to initiate legal and diplomatic steps to get to the root of the matter “to clear my name and the institution I represent”, stated further: “I wish to state unequivocally that this is false and definitely not me.

Ikon, who represents Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Constituency of Akwa Ibom, stated this in Abuja on Saturday, adding that the allegation was in bad taste.

It would be recalled that the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, had on Wednesday petitioned the House of Representatives alleging that Ikon and two other lawmakers solicited sex from prostitutes in Cleveland, Ohio, recently.

According to the lawmaker, he was at a loss as to what the U.S. envoy intended to achieve with the allegation, alleging that he had been mistakenly dragged into a matter he knew nothing about.

Ikon also claimed that he was happy that the House had commenced the process of investigating the allegation, saying he has confidence that he would be cleared.

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The lawmaker, who said he had briefed his lawyers to initiate legal and diplomatic steps to get to the root of the matter “to clear my name and the institution I represent”, stated further: “I wish to state unequivocally that this is false and definitely not me.

“This, to me is a case of mistaken identity and I will be vindicated. I have initiated measures both legal and diplomatic to clear my name and the institution I represent.

“There are many questions left unanswered by the actions of the U.S. mission but I believe it will become clearer in the course of time.”

“I want to reassure all of my innocence in this matter and I call on all relevant authorities and jurisdictions to commence full investigation to correct this great injustice to me.

“I have an unwavering faith in God to see me through this trying moment and plead with all not to be hasty in condemning me as the final outcome will surely clear my name.

“I urge for patience, prayers and God’s abiding wisdom at this time,” Ikon said.

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