The Senate Tuesday frowned on reports that Senators have been given $50,000 bribe to stop plans to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto of the Electoral Act amendment bill 2018 on sequence of election.
Consequently, it mandated committee, headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East to carry out a holistic investigation into allegations that some senators and House of Representatives members were being bribed by the executive with $50,000 and $30,000 respectively.
The Senate particularly asked the committee to carry out a thorough investigation on the allegation published in the Sun newspaper of Monday, March 26, 2018, and report back within one week.
Resolution of the upper chamber was sequel to a motion moved to that effect by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, PDP Delta North.
Senator Nwaoboshi, who rose through orders 14 and 15 of the Senate standing rules, said the allegation affected his privilege, integrity and that of the Senate, stressing that his constituents had been calling him for explanations on the allegation.
”It is very unfortunate that many of us are being dragged into this unfortunate development,” he said.
Also speaking, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP Abia North), said the allegation was scandalous and must be investigated.
Ohuabunwa said: “I stand here to declare that I know nothing about it. This matter must be thoroughly investigated to find out whoever is involved and that such a person is brought to book.
“Not only is the Senate affected by this unfounded allegation but also our colleagues in the House of Representatives alleged to be collecting $30,000 to foil the plan to override Buhari’s veto on the said bill.”
In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the session, said the allegation clearly impugned the integrity of the entire members of the hallowed chambers and must be investigated for Nigerians to know the truth.
Meanwhile, moves by the Senate to override the President on the Electoral Act with the amendment of the bill as sponsored by Senator Suleiman Nazif, APC, Bauchi North, was read for the first time yesterday at plenary.
