[size=14pt]Nigeria: U.S.$3 Million Bribery Scandal - Constituents Move to Recall Farouk Lawan[/size]
By Chika Otuchikere, Shuaib Shuaib, and Salisu Ibrahim, 17 June 2012

Embattled member of the House of Representatives Hon. Farouk Lawan is facing a fresh battle from his constituents over his alleged involvement in the $3 million bribery scandal rocking the House: some of his constituents are plotting to initiate his recall from the House.

The lawmaker was released on bail yesterday after two days of incarceration by the Nigeria Police Force over his involvement in the bribery scandal.

However, investigations by LEADERSHIP SUNDAY in the lawmaker's constituency of Shanono/Bagwai federal constituency of Kano State showed that some of his constituents had already commenced the compilation of signatures for onward transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the representative's recall.

LEADERSHIP SUNDAY investigations also revealed why the leadership of the House of Representatives 'sacrificed' the embattled lawmaker during their emergency session on Friday.

Hon. Lawan was removed as the chairman of the ad-hoc committee on the petroleum subsidy and chairman, House Committee on Education.

It was learnt that the leadership of the House took that decision because Hon. Lawan failed to confide in them nor did he carry the members of his committee along all through his transactions in the alleged scandal.

"Hon. Lawan did not carry any of his colleagues along in what transpired. We cannot vouch for him. We are not even sure whether he is with us or with the executive arm of government. Let him sort himself out. The credibility of the whole House cannot be called into question because of the alleged act of one member," a source in the House said.

This is even as politicians in the opposition Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)are taking full advantage of Lawan's travails and are seeking signatories from his Shanono/Bagwai federal constituency for a petition to begin the process of his recall.

Some of the politicians who spoke with our correspondent in Kano said that Farouk's action has portrayed Kano State in bad light, even though it has been one of the leading progressive states that has been advancing the cause of the common man in the area of politics for a very long time.

A former House of Representatives aspirant of the Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] for Fagge constituency in the last general election, Shuaibu Abubakar Fagge, condemned the action of the lawmaker and hailed the action of the legislators that suspended him from the chairmanship of the committee, saying that what the House did was "in order, proper and followed the due process of the law".

Abubakar, however, subscribed to the commencement of recall process of the lawmaker to allow easy flow of investigation into the matter since, according to him, Farouk's action has exposed how PDP has been thriving on illegality and giving democracy a bad name.

"Farouk should be recalled, then prosecuted in order to face the consequence of his action," Abubakar said.

He called for a thorough probe into the bribery scandal because, "Nigerians will love to see how the lawmaker that has been presenting himself as leader of the Integrity Group will stoop so low to demand for a bribe. Let the whole truth come out and everyone involved in the bribery scandal identified and their names made public," he said.

According to him, the law is very clear that whoever is facing serious allegation of fraudulent practice has to give way and allow the law to take its course. "That's why I hailed what the House did by first suspending him from the chairmanship position he held, now he should be prosecuted," he added.

Secretary of the ANPP, Alhaji Rabi'u Bako said that Farouk's action has demonstrated how PDP has been responsible for corrupt practices in the country since the return of democracy in the country in 1999.

"It is evident that Farouk did not win the last election. That has been the case with him in all the elections he contested in the past. He'd not win, but he would be declared winner through illegal means. Now he has sown a seed and is reaping the fruits of what he sowed," Bako said.

The ANPP scribe, wanted immediate recall of the lawmaker, while the INEC holds a fresh election to fill in the vacant position, as the police arrange for his prosecution before a court of law for him to defend himself before the court.

However, Alhaji Ali Kakako Commander, one of the PDP leaders in Bagwai, said that the lawmaker is on his own, as far as the allegation of bribery is concerned, since his people did not send him to the House to promote illegality.

Commander said that even though Lawan has been outspoken in the House, his constituency has suffered a great deal since there had been no dividend of democracy in the area in the last 13 years.

"We have not started feeling his impact as our representative from this local government. He has only been good to himself and he has been accused of corrupt practice, so let him defend himself. When you talk of quality representative one can say he is good, but with what happened now, I think he was just a self-serving man," he said.

Meanwhile, the embattled lawmaker was yesterday released from police custody after two days in detention over his role in the $3million bribery scandal that engulfed the ad-hoc committee that investigated the fuel subsidy regime which he chaired.

He was granted bail yesterday afternoon after meeting bail conditions imposed by the police. The lawmaker, however, is to report at the police station on a daily basis while the investigation lasted.

Deputy force public relations officer, CSP Frank Mba, confirmed his release in a telephone chat with our correspondent. He said that the lawmaker may be prosecuted, depending on the outcome of their investigation. He refused to disclose the bail conditions.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201206170341.html

Even though this is the opposition parties playing opportunistic politics, this is exactly what we should all be doing to any reps that simply go to the house to say "aye" whenever bribes, loot and moral depravity are floating around.

Reno Omokri a.k.a (beaf= [b]B[/b]e [b]E[/b]vil [b]A[/b]nd [b]F[/b]amous.

we know you are doing your job as the presidential adviser on social media.While you are at work promoting GEJ`s interest protected by Diezani ,pls remember your action will bring curse on your generations of omokris.
Farouk Lawan and all of you have murdered sleep,sorrow will be your lot says the law of sowing and reaping!God will not be mocked.

Recall ko, American lingo ni.

while tribune newspaper works for them in the south,leadership newspaper works for them in the north.Bunch of blood suckers,their ingenuity and destiny is to bring ruin to Nigeria.Reno Omokri aka beaf who was at the meeting where they agree to write their evil propaganda and publish in both tribune and leadership will now copy and paste it on nairaland for broadcast here and all other social media as the presidential adviser on social media.He keeps at it until they find another evil agenda.Now it is project Tambuwal must go since the man is a threat to his master`s 2015 ambition to saddle nigerians with another round of perfidious leadership.
nairalanders shine your eyes,they hope that by feeding you lies consistently they will divert attention from their evil machinations.For me oh,I will keep reminding him that he and his generations will find no rest.They are all bunch of self-seeking unpatriotic agents of satan!
Your own generation of omokris will remain cursed forever because you and ur principals have brought hardship on nigerians

Have they found the money?

It is quite clear that some NLers are stark raving mad.
Anyways, make I face topic jare!

Kilode?!:
Have they found the money?

I don't think finding the money should stop the man from being recalled. In fact, at least 80% of the members across all parties need to be recalled.

By the dictate of the constitution, those people are meant to represent the people at the grassroots. But how many of us can point to a rep that represents the interests of our town or village? How many of us can point to a rep we can visit and discuss local issues with, in the hope that they will be our voice at the national level?

We need to change the way things are done in this country and that can only be done by energising the grassroots.

If recalling a thieving 'Hon. Member' of the house of reps is GEJ's project, how is that bad?

Frank-C:
If recalling a thieving 'Hon. Member' of the house of reps is GEJ's project, how is that bad?

And what if GEJ is found culpable in any "theft"? Will your voice still suppot his impeachment or "recall"?

Cos what's good for the goose....

nuclearboy:

And what if GEJ is found culpable in any "theft"? Will your voice still suppot his impeachment or "recall"?

Cos what's good for the goose....

Bro, are you against the recalling of Lawan? If not, why your diversions?
Curious stuff!

I am FOR the recall of everyone who has stolen money! And unlike you, there is nothing tribal, religious, fiscal or personal in my outlook! I simply detest one (any) man taking what's not his due, be it as NASS member, governor, senator, president or paid hack! The blood of millions and the cries of the deprived rise on account of all such!

I asked a question to which a simple yes or no will suffice as answer IF you don't have "extra" up your sleeve

well down

Na wetin concern GEJ with the recall of farouk na??

onomeasike: while tribune newspaper works for them in the south,leadership newspaper works for them in the north.Bunch of blood suckers,their ingenuity and destiny is to bring ruin to Nigeria.Reno Omokri aka beaf who was at the meeting where they agree to write their evil propaganda and publish in both tribune and leadership will now copy and paste it on nairaland for broadcast here and all other social media as the presidential adviser on social media.He keeps at it until they find another evil agenda.Now it is project Tambuwal must go since the man is a threat to his master`s 2015 ambition to saddle nigerians with another round of perfidious leadership.
nairalanders shine your eyes,they hope that by feeding you lies consistently they will divert attention from their evil machinations.For me oh,I will keep reminding him that he and his generations will find no rest.They are all bunch of self-seeking unpatriotic agents of satan!
Your own generation of omokris will remain cursed forever because you and ur principals have brought hardship on nigerians

And what are u on about?
We frm kano wants to recall our represntative who have forgotten his duties but has resorted to stuffing his cap with Dollars and you are here cooking up theories. How do u even sound to urself? Going off topic and calling names for d fun of it.

Oh! Leadership nw wrks for 'dem' in d north..
Its too early for dat cheap crack u r on

^
Bro, no mind dat one. Na di effect of early morning alomo bitters mixed with garri!

ifihearam: Na wetin concern GEJ with the recall of farouk na??

Ask that daft clown jare!

Beaf:

Bro, are you against the recalling of Lawan? If not, why your diversions?

Curious stuff!

he asked a question......answer him bagar

That dunderhead would have resigned and be prosecuted in a normal clime.I just hope recalling him is not an attempt to sweep the case under the carpet.

Recalled or not, It is not in the interest of the people! Guys be wise

Boyoorisha: Recalled or not, It is not in the interest of the people! Guys be wise

Care to expantiate on that?

Beaf Ignores a fool hahahahaha....Fools leave beaf alone and face the topic

beaf, what your opinion on the fuel subsidy report. should it be acted upon by the president or should he wait; i think what we do about the subsidy report is more important than the issues of otedola and lawan.
whats your take on it.

secondly, should the petroleum minister step aside; just as was done in SEC, NCCAA etc for a total cleansing of the oil sector?

i'll also like to say; that no matter your opinion and what people say i see you as a very intelligent guy. at least you are good at what you do.

The guy that mentioned GEJs' name on this recall issue should be banned from making comments, you don't just wake up in the morning cause you can type and post comments here freely,and end up talking trash. Am sure that you don't even read the dailies left alone watch the news broadcast. What does recalling a member of a house got to the with GEJ, is he from Kano state or is he a member of the house. My friend ,try thinking before blabbing at least that would help you.
You are one of those, who go about with fake news and rubbish comments and yet you don't have anything to contribute.

Farouk Lawan has to be recalled and thrown into jail, and for those spewing bull about GEJ wanting Tambuwal gone because of 2015 ambition, I think you need to get your heads examined, is Tambuwal INEC chairman ? You need to look at the lawless north critically, this issue is not just a Boko Haram affair, there is totally lack of leadership up North, the states government and local governments are not functioning other than share the handouts from ABJ, its a systemic failure of the abokis, the arab blood in them is manifesting.

@nigerianblogger:With Farouk Lawan's introduction of #Capbanking. How much dollars can GEJ hat 'SAVE' at a time? Just thinking.

I really hope this works if only to set a precedence. Would have been more impressive if it was a non partisan group that started it, but at least it is a start. Power is in the hands of the people.

^^ Beaf wil neva answ such questn bro, it wil sure tanish his image pretty soonest!

I hope this will give other parts of the country the impetus to start recalling the ''thieves and rogues'' who stole the mandate of the people and are busy representing themselves there.

[color=#006600][/color]

Mallamabdul: The guy that mentioned GEJs' name on this recall issue should be banned from making comments, you don't just wake up in the morning cause you can type and post comments here freely,and end up talking trash. Am sure that you don't even read the dailies left alone watch the news broadcast. What does recalling a member of a house got to the with GEJ, is he from Kano state or is he a member of the house. My friend ,try thinking before blabbing at least that would help you.
You are one of those, who go about with fake news and rubbish comments and yet you don't have anything to contribute.

bear with him insanity starts on different levels and are not immediately detected. People like him may soon go stark raving mad and still call GEJ as the cause

I am still finding it hard to digest that the seemingly impeccable farouk lawan can do such, the man had the guts to lead integrity group and initiate impeachment on allegation of corruption on political leaders while he is corruption personified. How does the man sleep at night?
I pray his recall is successful as it would be a precedent that other constituents would follow if any representative misrepresent them.
This may just signal the beginning of great things in nigeria because if the legislative arm is accountable and effective, they can tow order arms in line. They have power to impeach the president and can make laws that can regulate even the judiciary to serve us better.

Beaf: [size=14pt]

It was learnt that the leadership of the House took that decision because Hon. Lawan failed to confide in them nor did he carry the members of his committee along all through his transactions in the alleged scandal.

"Hon. Lawan did not carry any of his colleagues along in what transpired. We cannot vouch for him. We are not even sure whether he is with us or with the executive arm of government. Let him sort himself out. The credibility of the whole House cannot be called into question because of the alleged act of one member," a source in the House said.

so are we saying that if farouk had shared the money with them, they would have covered him up, but the only crime he committed in their eyes is that he chopped it alone without telling them, what a country.

Billyonaire: Farouk Lawan has to be recalled and thrown into jail, and for those spewing bull about GEJ wanting Tambuwal gone because of 2015 ambition, I think you need to get your heads examined, is Tambuwal INEC chairman ? You need to look at the lawless north critically, this issue is not just a Boko Haram affair, there is totally lack of leadership up North, the states government and local governments are not functioning other than share the handouts from ABJ, its a systemic failure of the abokis, the arab blood in them is manifesting.

These type of comments are what keeps dragging Nigeria Backwards.

You shouldn't always go tribal and relgious in condenming peoples actions. Don't always generalize.

Bad leadership is all over the country irrespective of geographic location.

Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo are well allocations as 'south-south' oil producing states and yet none of those states can boast of 70% development.

Jonathan was governor of Bayelsa and till date can't point to one single Project he executed as governor of that state.

If not because of Late Yaradua's initiative of introducing 'amnesty programme' to the Niger Delta Region, the South-South would have been 1 million times worse than the North today. So don't think we aren't aware that the calm in the Niger Delta region is because of the billions of naira that leaves the coffers of Nigeria every month and spent on some low life greedy cheap rogues in disguising as freedom fighters (militants). With even a Ministry (Niger Delta Ministry), the region is still so far undeveloped. All because of the unending corruption by politicians entrusted with funds.

East, South West, South South are just as terrible as the North. Every region is only waiting for their own appropriate time to explode with their 'm*adness'.