Bankole in torchlight contract scam
13 June, 2010 06:36:00 Abiodun Adelaja, Abuja

A N30 million contract for the procurement of torchlight for members of the House of Representatives is one of the things haunting embattled Speaker, Hon Dimeji Bankole, Saturday Champion can authoritatively reveal.

Investigations revealed that the controversial contract was one of the several Bankole unilaterally allegedly awarded to friends and cronies against advice of some federal lawmakers that the items were unnecessary and would, in no way, enhance performance. According to sources, the contract constitutes one of the charges members of the Progressives, a group of federal lawmakers who on Wednesday gave him a seven-day ultimatum to resign his appointment as Speaker or face impeachment levelled against him.

"It is unfortunate that the Speaker has engaged in award of all manner of contracts, sometimes not transparent and against the overall interest of members. How does one justify the procurement of torchlight for members at a ridiculous price of N80, 000 per one," our source queried.

It was also gathered that sundry items, including foot mats, window blinds were procured for members even when they collect fat salaries and relevant allowances.

According to sources, members are paid enough salaries and allowances to take care of their household and personal needs, a development which has provoked strong enquiries on why the Speaker decided to embark on the award of spurious contracts.

It was gathered that some other controversial contracts awarded by Bankole to alleged mistresses include the procurement of suit stands, standing fans among others.

A group of lawmakers had on Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to Bankole to resign from office or face impeachment.

Spokesman of the group, Hon Dino Melaye, said they were in possession of damning evidence and documents to indict Bankole of corruption and abuse of office.

When contacted however, both the special adviser to the Speaker on communication, Chief Kayode S. Odunaro as well as the chief press secretary, Idowu Bakare, declined comment on the matter, saying they are not in the position to do so since they are not members of the House.

"Contract or no contract, I am not the right person to talk on such matter since I’m not a member of the House, other than to deny that the Speaker cannot spend such amount of money on torchlight," Odunaro noted in his reaction.

Efforts by our Correspondent to reach the House committee chairman, Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, proved unsuccessful as his phone was switched off, which is very unusual.

Hon. Ita Enang, chairman, House Committee on Business and Rules, when contacted, said he was not aware of the issue, and could not say anything further since, according to him, he was at the time in his constituency in Akwa Ibom state campaigning for his Senatorial project for the 2011 elections.

When also contacted, immediate past chairman, House Services Committee, which is in charge of procurement, Ahmed Almakura, switched off his phone as soon as he heard ‘enquiries about procurement of torchlight.’

A statement earlier by Hon Eyiboh in response to various allegations by the Progressive group in the House had however, described the allegations against Bankole as false.

"We want to state that the various allegations being parroted are false with some of them based on forgery of government documents," the statement read.

It would be recalled that anchorman of the group, Dino Melaye, flanked by 10 others, including Bankole’s arch opponent, Independence Ogunewe, had during the week, said they were in possession of evidence of Bankole’s alleged involvement in oil deals.

Interestingly, Ndudi Elumelu, erstwhile chairman, House Committee on Power, who is currently facing trial over a N5.2billion rural power contract, is among those calling for Bankole’s resignation.

They had threatened to release the documents to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC); State Security Services (SSS), National Security Adviser (NSA) and other agencies to facilitate Bankole’s investigation and trial.

The group expressed concern over the alarming rate of corrupt tendencies in the House since Bankole assumed office as Speaker.

"That the House of Representatives you read about in 1999, the House of Representatives that West Idahosa was a member in 2000; the House of Representatives, with its sterling qualities exhibited during Na’abba; the House of Representatives that was laboriously built by Masari, is not the same today," they alleged.

According to members of the aggrieved group, "The public perception of the House has ingloriously declined. We used to be the pacesetters of legislative practice in this country, but it is obvious that we have been overtaken because of the ineptitude of leadership. Because of all these negative manifestations the House under Bankole, has nose-dived and has lost its earned positive reputation."

Other allegations against Bankole, include his lacklustre leadership qualities, which the group said, is responsible for the rift between the House and the Senate; disrespect of members of the House, frequent breach of rules of the House and unsubstantiated comments capable of causing disaffection among the various arms of government.
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