Abbas and Kalu have no rift over dissolution of oil, gas committee — Reps
By Jeffrey Agbo
The House of Representatives has said there is no misunderstanding between Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, over the dissolution of the ad-hoc committee investigating oil theft and the importation of adulterated fuel.
The House also in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, said the reports of inducement for the committee chairmanship seat were false.
Akin stressed that the dissolution of the committee was to ensure the efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigations.
The statement said “that the leadership of the House reserves the right to disband/dissolve an ad hoc committee whenever the need arises.
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“That the action taken by the House to dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee on Oil and Gas Investigation did not contravene any rule of the House or any law of the land.
“That at no time did the House leadership or anybody for that matter receive inducement for the appointment of any committee chairman. It was an assignment diligently executed by the Selection Committee of the House between June and July 2023, which has a member from each of the states of the federation.
“That there is no rift whatsoever between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker regarding this or any matter; the duo enjoys a robust and cordial relationship. The two Presiding Officers also have mutual respect for each other, and will not allow anything to come between them.”
The House urged journalists to verify their facts before publishing, advising them to crosscheck with appropriate quarters to avoid spreading falsehoods.