Jibrin Tells Dogara ''Return $600,000 You Took From Ibori

Sacked Chairman House of Representatives Committee on
Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano), claimed yesterday
that his fight against corruption in the Green Chamber has the
backing of two international organisations.

He did not name the two organisations but challenged House of
Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara to publicly acknowledge
the funding of his emergence as Speaker by former governor of
Delta State, James Ibori.

Jibrin, in a statement, alleged that Dogara collected $600,000 from
ex-convict Ibori to realise his speakership ambition.

Dogara swiftly denied the allegation, saying he has no affinity with
the former governor.

Jibrin had said: “It is such a shame that Speaker Dogara denied
the fact that former Governor James Ibori provided huge support to
his emergence as Speaker by mobilising members from Delta
State and some from the Southsouth and Southeast to support him.

“Since he has disowned Ibori, he should at least have the honour
to return the $600,000 Ibori donated to his speakership campaign.

I am sure he cannot deny the fact that he collected that money
cash!

“We have secured funding from two reputable international
organisation to establish an online platform that will serve as a
central point to disseminate budget fraud and corruption acts and
publish evidence and also hold lecture series and sensitization
programs on budget fraud and corruption across the country.

“Our first event will hold in Kano on 9th January 2017 with 5000
youths across the country in attendance. Our anti corruption
crusade with be ruthless in 2017.

“I remain very proud that despite the organised witch hunt against
me using the institution of the house they have not been able to
establish any offense that I have committed during the course of
discharging my duties in the 5 years I have spent in the house.

“It is noteworthy that no member of the house has formally
accused me of corruption or abuse of office as I have consistently
done against the Speaker and others.

“?I have said repeatedly that I will remain committed to this fight
against budget fraud and corruption for the rest of my life even if i
am alone. It is a commitment iam ready to die for!”

Jibrin was suspended by the House for bringing the institution into
disrepute by his allegations of budget padding against some
Principal Officers of the House and nine Committee Chairmen.

But in a reaction last night, Dogara, speaking though his Special
Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said:”For the
records, we want to state that the Rt. Hon. Speaker was elected by
the votes of members of the House of Representatives. There may
well be silent supporters and well wishers of the Honourable
Speaker from far and near some of whom he may not be aware of.

“Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara does not have a relationship, political or
otherwise with formers Governor James Ibori of Delta state to
warrant the insinuations in the statement credited to Senator
Nwaboshi, and had never had one.”

Culled-The Nation