Reps’ petroleum probe: No conflict between me and Speaker Abbas, says Kalu
By Jeffrey Agbo
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed his support of the dissolution of the joint committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) and (Downstream) probing the activities of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Kalu said on Wednesday through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, that the reports of bickering between him and Abbas are false.
Nwabughiogu said both leaders have not had any conflict since their election as the presiding officers of the 10th House in June 2023.
“Both leaders enjoy a robust working relationship akin to filial ties and at no time has Kalu’s loyalty to the speaker been questioned,” he further said.
“Abbas has explicit confidence in his deputy whom he publicly refers to as his brother, friend, confidant and strong support.
“Let it also be stated that the report of a shouting match between Speaker Abbas and Kalu during the recent emergency leadership meeting which the deputy speaker participated via zoom from a very noisy ward-to-ward, thank-you tour at Ugwueke in Bende federal constituency of Abia State is greatly unfounded, insensitive and senseless. The minute of the meeting is there and will convince anyone in doubt.”
Nwabughiogu said the decision for the dissolution was a matter of necessity collectively taken by the House leadership, adding that Kalu is in total support of it for a better investigative structure soon to be announced on the same subject matter.
“For purposes of accentuation, the leadership of the two chambers of the national assembly is coming up with a new model on the probe which details will be communicated to the public soon. This has nothing to do with any allegation or offence on the part of the joint committee in question. Again, the minute of the meeting has no record of such strange allegation.
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“Moreso, the allegation of S10m bribe is an elaborate hoax, a joke taken too far. It is ludicrous, grossly spurious and provocative. It should be completely disregarded. There is no report of any indictment and nothing close to it was mentioned with regards to the committee, their leadership or membership.
“Needless to say that overtime, some fifth columnists and mischief makers have been working fruitlessly to smear Kalu and put him at a crossroads with the Speaker.
“They are hereby seriously warned to desist from spewing reports and publications capable of provoking legal suits as we might be forced to take that route to maintain the hard earned integrity and reputation of the deputy speaker.
“Abbas and Kalu are commited to working for the good of the legislature and the entire Nigeria by providing the needed leadership and guidelines meant to enable people-oriented legislations for good governance and the overall development of the country.
“Their dedication to duty was exemplified and typified even by the eloquent testimonies of their colleagues during the celebration of their first anniversary in office in June, this year,” he added.