The former chairman of the House of Representatives appropriation committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin said the just concluded investigation into alleged breach of lawmakers’ privileges instituted against him by the House was a contempt of court.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Jibrin said the probe was a nullity as he had already sued the House and its leaders to prevent attempts at suspending him based on the corruption allegations he raised against Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three others.
He said “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.”
Although Jibrin failed to appear before the panel on Monday, the committee chairman, Rep Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta), said the non-appearance was a form of defence on its own and that the committee would go ahead to submit its report to the House within this week.
