Chidi Samuel|
The Senate on Wednesday demanded from Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the names of national assembly members demanding bribes from government officials as he alleged while delivering the democracy day lecture in Abuja on Monday.
Isah Misau, the Senator representing Bauchi central, while drawing the attention of the upper chamber to the allegation made by Jega, noted that will be in the interest of the country if the former INEC boss would name the lawmakers who are involved as it would help the government’s anti-corruption war.
Misau said, “I find it difficult to explain to them and I feel that not only Professor Jega but anybody that would make statements concerning the credibility of this Senate and the chairmen.”
“I think you should be bold enough to mention the committee chairmen especially when it is about fighting corruption in Nigeria.
“If we really want to fight corruption and want to help the government, he would not be making such statements without mentioning the committee chairmen and those who gave him that sort of information. I felt embarrassed. We need the Professor to throw more light on what he made.”
Senate President Bukola Saraki who was at the lecture hall when the allegation was made said he was embarrassed by Jega’s comment.
According to Saraki, “All of us are committed to the fight against corruption. But I believe it doesn’t help the fight against corruption, it is a slight to the integrity of some of us, where such a statement is made. If he has those kinds of evidence, he should bring it forward.”
“Because to say that is to suggest that every member of the national assembly is part of this. I think the professor should come out and mention these kinds of members he is aware of.
“If he can’t come out and name them, then he should not make such branding statements.”