Sexual misconduct: Accused Reps demand video evidence

The Joint Committees of the House of Representatives on Ethics and Privileges and Foreign Affairs yesterday grilled three of their colleagues accused of sexual misconduct while attending a leadership programme in the United States in April.

The outgoing US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, had on June 9, written a letter of complaint to Speaker Yakubu Dogara, accusing Rep Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi) of “grabbing” a hotel maid, while Reps Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue) and Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom) were alleged to have requested for prostitutes through car park attendants.

Testifying before the committee, Gololo said the allegation against him was false and unfounded, saying during his stay at the Mariot Hotel in US, there was no time a maid entered his room.

“I never grabbed any housemaid. I take this matter seriously. I demand an apology and retraction from the ambassador. I insist that the evidence against me be produced. I demand video of the allegation”, he said.

Gbillah told the committee that he never had any cause to speak with an attendant throughout the programme, saying “I dare the US government to produce the video evidence on the incident.”

Ikon said: “It was most devastating, demeaning and embarrassing to be accused of such a misconduct. I did not request the assistance of anybody nor did I desire a prostitute. I was never questioned on the alleged issue in the US or in Nigeria for the issue.

The committees said the minister should appear alongside the US envoy today over the matter.