House of Reps in Fresh N2 Billion Bribe Scandal Over Probe of Orubebe’s

The Anti-Corruption Network, a Non-Governmental Organisation led by former member in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Honourable Dino Melaye has given the leadership of the House of Representatives a 14 days ultimatum to begin investigation into allegations of receiving a multi-billion naira mansion levelled against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe.

The Anti-Corruption Network said the ultimatum has become necessary following the failure of the House to invite the anti-corruption body or Orubebe after the lower chamber of the national assembly passed a resolution to probe the allegation over three months ago.

The House had on November 29, 2012 directed the committees on Anti-Corruption, Drugs/Narcotics/Financial Crimes and Justice were directed to conduct the investigation within 21 days and produce a report, following a motion sponsored by Mr. Odeneye Kehinde to probe the ownership of the property.

There are already indications that the three House committees mandated to probe the matter are now enmeshed in a N2 billion bribe scandal as a  member of the House today  in Abuja said “some of us are aware that the probe has not been conducted because the committees saddled with the assignment following the resolution of the whole House since last year have been compromised with N2 billion by Minister Orubebe.”

The property, located at Mabushi in the Federal Capital Territory, was said to have been built for the minister by a construction firm, Setraco Nigeria Limited as alleged by the group, an allegation the Minister first peremptorily rubbished and dismissed as handiwork of his detractors and some mischief-makers who were out for extortion.

Dino today said at the expiration of a 14 day ultimatum, his group will not hesitate to drag the leadership of the House to court. ” We will not think twice before we take legal action against the House if they fail to invite us and Orubebe over this case at the expiration of this ultimatum”, Dino added in a statement today.