Smear campaigns won’t deter House’s quest for oil sector reform – Ugochinyere

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, has vehemently denied allegations of bribing Speaker Abass with $1.7 million to secure his position.

Describing the claim as a “low-quality, unbelievable Hollywood movie,” Ugochinyere dismissed the accusation as a desperate attempt to divert attention from the pressing need for transparency and efficiency in the oil sector.

In a statement, Ugochinyere representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State emphasized that the allegation is a “false, nonsensical, and belated attempt” by individuals with vested interests in the oil sector to provoke and smear the House, scare committed members, and divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry.

He assured that the House remains committed to seeking transparency and efficiency, undeterred by smear campaigns.

Ugochinyere expressed support for the House leadership’s decision to reconstitute the joint committee investigating oil sector challenges, trusting that it will uncover the root causes of corruption. 

The anti-corruption crusader praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s inclusive administration style, which has maintained stability in the House. Ugochinyere remains resolute in his fight for good governance, undaunted by smear campaigns.

“Those who also want to build on the failed propaganda to divide the House and cause crisis by planting fake news should know that their plot have backfired and we know who they are now,” he said.

He said the attempt to drag the Speaker, the deputy speaker, distinguished members, and his name into a Hollywood fiction story is dead on arrival, and all those who aided the stories in one way or another will face the wrath of the law, including other smear campaigns which I will seek for damages for.

Ugochinyere said, “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aid some criminal elements who are long overdue for prison to think they can escape justice, which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.

“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that is not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation of the corruption in our Oil industry.

“Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s all-inclusive administration style has kept the 10th House stable in the last year. Their approach to governance has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity within the parliament. They embraced a collaborative approach that transcends party lines, fostering an environment where all voices are not only heard but also valued.

“So we are not bothered by the disjointed attacks and smear campaign against our Hon. Speaker and the House leadership. These are efforts of unprofessional corrupt elements to pollute the media space in a desperate bid to seek cover from the inevitable that is coming. I remain focused in my fight for good governance.”