Abuja – Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin on Monday failed to appear before members of the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Jibrin, who was scheduled to appear before members of the Ethics Committee, is currently undergoing investigation over alleged sundry act of misconduct against members and institution of the House of Representatives.
He had at various instances expressed his distrust for Ethics Committee, insisting that it’s Chairman and some other members were interested parties and would not dispense justice.
However, the Chairman of the Ethics Committee, Rep. Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) said that Jibrin’s absence demonstrated his defence in the investigation.
“His decision not to appear is a defence on its own, most especially in the letter he wrote indicating he will not appear,’’ Ossai added.
Ossai further explained that the committee provided a platform crucial in guaranteeing fair hearing during the investigations.
“Based on section 36 of the 1999 constitution, we have given him fair hearing.
“We have exhausted the time and other material needs since last week to ensure there was fair hearing.
“On this ground the proceeding of the committee has come to an end.
“If anything will make me to be biased, I will step aside for my deputy to continue, that is good enough to assuage anybody to appear,’’ Ossai said.
He said that Jibrin was duly notified to appear before the committee in a letter dated Sept. 22.
“He had requested that he will appear under the condition that the process will be public and should be witnessed by the media, civil society organizations and the human right groups.
“By all indications we have met the requirements.
“That committee was constituted by the House upon inauguration in June 2015 without knowledge of who will appear before it.
“It is not about Dogara it is about the institution,’’ Ossai said.
