Chairman of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on fuel subsidy management, Hon. Farouk Lawan who is at the centre of the $3million bribe to clear indicted oil companies, was detained last night by the police.
Rep Lawan who voluntarily reported to the CP Ali Amodu-led police Special Task Force investigating the allegation at about 4.40pm yesterday was interrogated for several hours alongside the secretary of the ad-hoc committee, Boniface Emenalo. As at press time, his interrogators said the embattled lawmaker has failed to return the marked $620, 000 first installment he collected and he would not be allowed to go until he hands over the money.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives reconvenes in an extra-ordinary session this morning with the legislators weighing several options to diminish the damages accruing from the cash for clearance scam centred around Rep. Farouk Lawan.
The dimension of the crisis escalated, yesterday, with the Police claiming that as much as N11.3 billion might have been collected as bribe money by Rep. Lawan and some unnamed members of the ad-hoc committee on the investigation of fuel subsidy management.
Interested parties including former influential members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday night intervened during separate meetings with Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Rep. Lawan over the brewing crisis at the Apo Legislative Quarters residence of Chief Halims Agoda.
The police, however, said they are currently working with the State Security Service (SSS) on the matter. The police also listed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other relevant security agencies as partners in the task. Assistant Force Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Inyang, who disclosed this on a radio programme, Police Diary yesterday, said a number of people have been invited for interrogation by the police over the matter.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the House of Representatives may suspend Lawan today. The House would hold emergency session today after cutting short a two-week recess. However, to avoid such humiliating treatment, Lawan is said to be considering stepping down as the chair before the commencement of the session. This is coming as the rumour of the Presidency moving against the leadership of the House gathered momentum yesterday. This allegation was denied in a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement issued by the Presidency.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the House of Representatives may suspend Lawan today. The House would hold emergency session today after cutting short a two-week recess. However, to avoid such humiliating treatment, Lawan is said to be considering stepping down as the chair before the commencement of the session. This is coming as the rumour of the Presidency moving against the leadership of the House gathered momentum yesterday. This allegation was denied in a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement issued by the Presidency.
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