By; JOSHUA I. EGBODO, Abuja
Embattled former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin has accused the House of contempt of court over the recently concluded investigation on his alleged breach of’ privileges of the lower chamber and his colleagues.
The lawmaker at a media briefing Tuesday, explained that the probe by the Ethics and Privileges Committee ought should not to take place sine he had approached a law court to prevent any attempt at suspending him over his allegations of fraud against the Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three other members of the House’s leadership.
Jibrin said he shunned the investigation sitting because because the exercise by the the Nicholas Osai panel was a futile exercise in the face of law.
“The most important thing is that this matter is already before a court of law. The speaker also entered appearance on the case, and the matter now becomes sub-judice. If any action is taken, it will amount to contempt of court.
“The privileges of lawmakers don’t confer immunity on them to be exposed on issues of fraud and corruption. If a member of the House decides to expose corruption, it can’t amount to a breach of privilege.
“If there’s any issue of privilege, it should be the privileges of Nigerians. If the chairman of ethics and privileges doesn’t take the allegations in the next few days, I’ll take it upon myself to explain to Nigerians how some members abused their privileges”, the lawmaker submitted.
