Reps And Bribery Scandal

The allegation by the Chairman of the oil marketing giant, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, Mr. Femi Otedola, that the chairman, House of Representatives’ Adhoc Committee charged to probe the oil subsidy regime, Hon. Farouk Lawan demanded and received part of a $3 million bribe is, to say the least, a national embarrassment that deserves to be treated with all sense of responsibility and a clear headed approach.

It should indeed worry all well meaning Nigerians, that this development is coming a few weeks after former President Olusegun Obasanjo alerted Nigerians about the high level of corruption within the legislative arms at various levels of government, hence, the need for a self-probe among legislators.

It is against this backdrop, that the news of suspension of the Chairman of the House’s adhoc Committee that investigated the management of the oil subsidy, Hon. Farouk Lawan by the House of Representatives is a step in the right direction.

It is indeed commendable that the house, at end of its special emergency session convened to consider bribery allegation resolved to suspend its own Committee Chairman, to pave way for unhindered investigation of the allegations.

Nigeria cannot afford to operate in the cesspool of corruption and expect change. The only way any progress can be made is by turning the searchlight inwards with a view to exposing the rot within our democratic structures, chief of which is the legislature.

The House of Representatives should not stop at mere suspension of Hon. Lawan, but identify all the persons involved and have the courage to impose the desired sanction and consciously reform our polity.

We are equally not unmindful of the fact that some allegations have ended in mere investigation by the disciplinary Committee of the house. The house must remind itself that what is at stake now is its integrity as the lower chamber indirectly stands accused until the bad eggs are identified and punished.

The scandal also puts to test the integrity of the security apparatus of the nation whose reported role already raises dust. The Nigerian Police in particular, should ensure that its already battered image is redeemed in the final outcome of this matter. This is the time the Police should resist any form of arm-wisting or temptation to distoric useful evidences or to play es spirit de corps in the House.

The Police should ensure a thorough investigation and scrutinise statements and evidences with a view to ensuring that the innocent is not punished and those culpable are made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others.

We equally commend President Goodluck Jonathan for assuring Nigerians that the bribery scandal would not adversely affect the implementation of the Hon. Farouk Lawan-led House of Representatives adhoc Committee report on the management of the fuel subsidy fund.

The Tide, however, urges that the assurance by the Federal Government should not end on the pages of newspapers but such assurances must be matched with action. No efforts should be spared in giving the present fight against corruption its true force.

We believe that it is only when the fight against corruption is executed against the high profile individuals within and outside government quarters, that Nigeria will begin to get it right.

It is therefore, our hope that the legislature, the Police, and indeed everybody involved in the bribery scandal will be committed to the fishing out of  corrupt elements, with a high sense of patriot zeal. Both the giver and the taker must be made to stand full before the law.