Diezani probe not over, Tambuwal says
Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday said the investigation into the alleged N10 billion jet scandal involving Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has not been closed despite a court case over the matter.
A House committee was set to begin the probe on Monday on the chartered aircraft matter when court papers were served to the office of the speaker. Because of this, the committee decided to put the investigation on hold.
Tambuwal, who spoke during yesterday’s plenary session of the House, said: “We have not closed that investigation. When we get legal advice, we will know the next line of action.”
He spoke while ruling on a point of order raised on the propriety of the court action.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja which is sitting on the matter said it never granted an injunction stopping the House probe.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed expressed dismay over media reports yesterday that said he issued a restraining order against the House. He blamed the House for misleading the press.
Lawyer M.C. Maikyau, who appeared for the House, tendered an apology, explaining that the statement did not emanate from the Director of Legal Services.
Justice Mohammed also yesterday ordered the service of hearing notices on the lawmakers to show cause why the order to restrain them should not be made.
The petroleum minister, through her counsel Etigwe Uwa (SAN), had asked the court for an order restraining the House Committee on Public Accounts from requesting her to produce any papers “pending the hearing and determination of the motion.”
The suit has been adjourned to May 5 for hearing.