From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Former House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin, yesterday, gave reasons for his refusal to appear at the investigative hearing of the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Jibrin, who reiterated his lack of faith in the committee, insisting that Ossai and other members of the committee had showed bias against him, warned that his suspension could lead to a contempt of court.
“The most important thing is that this matter is already a subject of litigation and my lawyer, Femi Falana has already written the Speaker and reminded him during recess, that knowing they might resort to these antics of suspension, we have gone to court only on the aspect of suspending me.
“The Speaker entered appearance on this case, and the matter can be subjudiced; so, if any action is taken in this regard, it will clearly amount to contempt of Court”.
Falana, in a letter dated September 23, and addressed to Dogara and Ossai, described the investigation of his client by the Ethics and Privileges Committee as a violation of Order 9 Rule 5 of the Standing Rules of the House.
Jibrin was expected to appear before the Ethics and Privileges Committee yesterday to answer some questions on the allegation of N249 billion budget padding scam in the House.
He, however, shunned the invitation and, instead, made public results of tests he underwent to clear himself of insinuations that he was under the influence of drugs when he alleged that the House leadership padded the budget and diverted public funds for private use.
“As far as I know, this is the first time a public officer in Nigeria will subject himself to an open drug and alcohol tests and that person is me! I am not under the influence of any kind of drugs. I don’t drink alcohol nor do I smoke weed or cigarettes.
I am a teetotal gentleman, a sweet tooth who loves juice and have bad addiction for chocolates.
“I have always been a courageous, extroverted, hyperactive and outspoken person with a fair sense of humour all my life,” he said in a statement.