Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has debunked allegations in some section of the media that he had stalled the investigation of the alleged N10 billion jet maintenance fee by petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Tambuwal who cleared the air today at plenary said there was never a time when he directed the House committee on Public Accounts (PAC), which was mandated to carry out the investigation, to stop the probe.
He said his position has been and remains that a court process was instituted and it was only appropriate to consult with relevant stakeholders on the matter.
"My attention was drawn to some reports in the media that I stalled an investigation. I didn't stop the investigation as reported. My position has been and remains that there was a court process and I needed to consult, which I did," he said.
He said after consultations, the judge said the House was not barred from carrying out the investigation.
Tambuwal subsequently directed PAC to immediately swing into action and turn out the report "as soon as possible."
"The judge said he didn't stop the House from doing its work. I therefore direct that you (PAC) continue with your investigation and present the report as soon as possible," he said.
The House had directed PAC to investigate the alleged N10 billion jet maintenance fee by Diezani in March following a motion on the matter. It was alleged that N7 billion was for hanger cost and crew allowance, while N3 billion was for actual maintenance.
But as the committee was about to swing into action, a court process was instituted in April on the matter which sought to stop the investigation.
PAC had in the process also uncovered another flight manifest with three names, including that Diezani prominently featured.
Source: Daily Trust
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