Senate Condemns Baseless Allegations, Vows Legal Action Against Blackmail
Mercy Gadia Adi
The Office of the Senate Leader has sharply criticized recent attempts to undermine the Senate and its leadership through unfounded allegations. The latest controversy involves a petition purportedly addressed to Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele of unethical conduct.
The petition, signed by David Udoh, Convener of the Public Procurement Transparency Group, alleges that Senator Bamidele pressured Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to influence contract awards in violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. However, the REA has refuted these claims, affirming that it has faced no undue pressure and remains committed to transparency and fairness in its procurement processes.
“The allegations are not only baseless but also unsupported by any credible evidence,” stated the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs from the Senate Leader’s office. They further emphasized that REA’s management has confirmed it faced no undue pressure and continues to uphold fairness in its operations.
In a statement, the Senate Leader’s office denounced the allegations as “not only baseless but also unsupported by any credible evidence” and criticized the anonymous nature of the accusers. Preliminary checks revealed that the Public Procurement Transparency Group is unregistered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and its contact information is inactive, suggesting a lack of legitimacy. The office also highlighted that the group did not formally submit any petition to the ICPC.
“The continuous blackmail and falsehoods being spread by faceless individuals are damaging to both the National Assembly’s reputation and the public perception of Nigeria,” the statement declared. It further emphasized that such actions will no longer be tolerated, and any parties found guilty will face legal repercussions.
The Senate’s firm stance underscores its commitment to defending the integrity of its institutions against malicious attacks and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
