The Chairman, House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Hon. Farouk Lawan, yesterday confirmed that he collected $500,000 from the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Mr. Femi Otedola, before the final report on the fuel subsidy probe was submitted to the full House.
This Day newspaper yesterday ran an interview in which Mr. Otedola allegedly revealed that Hon. Lawan and Clerk of the committee, Boniface Emenalo solicited and collected a bribe of $620,000 from him as deposit of a N3 million bribe to exonerate his companies under probe.
Addressing newsmen yesterday and flaunting documents Hon. Lawan told reporters that the House Committee on Financial Crimes was aware of the matter and also the police whose investigation had already reached an advanced stage.
The lawmaker at a stage also said that he intended to use the money as exhibit when the matter was officially reported to the police.
A hand written memo By Hon. Lawan to the Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Adams Jagaba, which is dated April 24 and timed 3.47am, gives detail of what he said transpired between him and Otedola.
The memo said: “You may please recall that I intimated you of the persistence of Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman Forte Oil, Zenon Oil and AP Petroleum to offer monetary inducement to influence the outcome and Consolidation of the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Petroleum Subsidy.
“Attached is the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) only offered to me with another promise of two million, five hundred thousand dollar ($2.5m). I had considered bringing this issue as a matter of privilege on the floor of the House later today when the House sits, but I am concerned the controversy it will generate will dwarf the content of the report which needs public attention so that the necessary reforms in the sector could be effected.
“I however believe that given the desperation of Mr. Otedola, handling this matter in a furious but diplomatic manner is necessary as he has also made some vested threats which put me and members of my Committee in a delicate situation.
“While reporting this matter to you and hoping that appropriate action will be taken, we shall continue to monitor him and if further offers are made, we shall duly handover to your committee.”
Meanwhile Mr. Otedola as refuted these claims by Hon. Lawani.
Is this another misdemeanor in Nigeria’s theater of absurdities?