2016 budget scandal: Jibrin raises fresh alarm on $25,000 bribe to lure members

That ousted chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has raised alarm over fresh bribe of $25,000 allegedly given to some lawmakers to pass vote of confidence on Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Jibrin via his Twitter handle, alleged that Speaker Dogara, his Deputy, Yussuff Lasun; Chief Whip, Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor opened the vote of confidence register at his  Guest House.

According to him, “this disgraceful Act is coordinated by Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba and CSO to Mr. Speaker, Hon. CID Maduabum.
“It is a shame that Mr Speaker has not responded to any of the allegations raised against him but has resorted to look for fraudulent cover

“My stand is that the corrupt Speaker Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor must listen to Nigerians, reconvene the house immediately and step aside.

“Investigation by anti graft agencies is already on and I pledge to support the investigation and prosecution of these corrupt public officers,” Jibrin alleged.

In a swift reaction to the $25,000 allegedly distributed by him and two others, Mohammed, chairman House Committee on Basic Education in a chat with BusinessDay expressed concern over the Jibrin’s desperation and mischief.

“Does Jibrin know the amount he is talking about being given to each of the lawmakers at such a time like this?” Mohammed queried.

Earlier in his Twitter handle, Mohammed said: “My attention has been drawn to yet another tweet by the former chairman appropriation committee, Hon abdulmumin jibrin saying that I and others were distributing $25,000 to each member of the House, to generate signatures for speaker Dogara’s vote of confidence.

“I want to state that the accusation is not only untrue but it is another tales by moonlight to hoodwink Nigerians to malign my image.

“Fellow country men, please disregard this cheap blackmail aimed at playing to the gallery, I challenge Mr Jibrin to name at least 10 members or less who benefitted from the bribe.

“My advice to Jibrin is that he should stop the mud slinging of my person and concentrate on licking his self inflicted wounds,” the Twitter message read.