As the allegation of sexual misconduct against three Nigerian lawmakers by the United States Government continues to draw public fury, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has asked America to provide fool-proof evidence that the lawmakers indeed committed the crimes.
A lawmaker, Mohammed Gololo (APC-Bauchi State) was accused of grabbing a hotel maid and soliciting sex, while two others, Samuel Ikon (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and Mark Gbillah (APC-Benue State) allegedly requested a car park attendant to help them arrange the services of prostitutes during a visit to Cleveland for the International Visitor Leadership Programme.
The allegations were contained in a June 9 petition to Mr. Dogara by American Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle.
The three lawmakers denied the allegations separately describing them as “totally false”, “calculated attempt to rubbish the National Assembly” and “a case of mistaken identity.”
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Mr. Dogara commented on the allegations, as he responded to questions thrown at him by Nigerians.
“He who alleges must prove,” he said via his Twitter handle @speakerdogara. “That’s the law.”
“As we speak no evidence has been put forward other than the letter sent to my office and copied to many others.
“Together with the US Embassy in Nigeria we will get to the bottom of this matter and until then let’s not be judgemental.
“Under our laws an accused person is deemed innocent until proven guilty and he enjoys the benefit of any doubt.
“Social media trial and conviction of members alleged to have committed the offence is taking up arms against our laws,” tweeted an “awfully embarrassed” Mr. Dogara.
Charged by Twitter user @saintyMartins for being “more defensive” than the accused lawmakers, Mr. Dogara replied, “what’s more offensive, to be defensive or convict people based on an allegation? Is that the standard in the US.”
Another Twitter user @akorive001 asked Mr. Dogara what his response was to allegation by activist Kayode Ogundamisi that he was shielding the accused lawmakers.
“Interesting,” the Speaker replied, “He (@ogundamisi) can convict if he likes but for us we must see the evidence (be)cos(cause) that’s what the law says.
“My position is very neutral.”
On the alleged “attempted rape” of hotel room keeper by Mr. Gololo, Mr. Dogara said the US Ambassador did make reference to that in his letter. “That’s a social media creation.”
Mr. Gololo was actually accused of “grabbing” the room keeper and soliciting sex from her.
He said the concerned lawmakers had indicated they were ready to stand trial in the US.
“They are ready to do that at their own cost.”
In further tweets, the Speaker, however, warned of consequences for the lawmakers if proven guilty.
“No ambassador brings dishonour to his home country without some dire consequences. This all members know.”
“The members are ambassadors of the House and indeed Nigeria when they were in the US, they mustn’t bring dishonour to us.”
The spokesperson for the House, Abdulrazaq Namdas, told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday that the House leadership was investigating the matter.
He did not say how the investigation was being conducted.
When contacted, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria declined comments, saying in an email to PREMIUM TIMES that it does comment on private diplomatic correspondence.
Sex Scandal: Mine is mistaken identity – Ikon
Meanwhile, one of the lawmakers, Mr Ikon, has dismissed the allegation as untrue, saying his identity had been mistaken.
Mr. Ikon, a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Constituency of Akwa Ibom, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday that the allegation was in bad taste.
The lawmaker said he was at a loss as to what the U.S. envoy intended to achieve with the allegation, insisting that he had been mistakenly dragged into a matter he knew nothing about.
He said that he was happy that the lower chamber had commenced the process of investigating the allegation, and expressed confidence that he would be cleared.
He also said that he had briefed his lawyers to initiate legal and diplomatic steps to get to the root of the matter “to clear my name and the institution I represent”.
Condemning the allegation by the ambassador, Mr. Ikon said, “I wish to state unequivocally that this is false and definitely not me.
“This, to me is a case of mistaken identity and I will be vindicated. I have initiated measures both legal and diplomatic to clear my name and the institution I represent.
“There are many questions left unanswered by the actions of the U.S. mission but I believe it will become clearer in the course of time.”
He urged his constituents and Nigerians to be patient as the truth would be unveiled, adding that God would vindicate him.
“I want to reassure all of my innocence in this matter and I call on all relevant authorities and jurisdictions to commence full investigation to correct this great injustice to me.
“I have an unwavering faith in God to see me through this trying moment and plead with all not to be hasty in condemning me as the final outcome will surely clear my name.
“I urge for patience, prayers and God’s abiding wisdom at this time.”
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