A controversy has erupted in 10th House of Representatives, involving Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum resources (Downstream), Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga, who said he paid $1.7 million to secure his position and has threatened to expose damaging information if removed.
It was gathered that the conflict centers on a joint committee investigation into a dispute involving ?angote Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and regulatory authorities.
Ikenga has been accused of monopolising the Committee’s actions and favoring Dangote, prompting resignations from other committee leaders. NNPCL staff have also accused Ikenga of attempting to secure preferential treatment and contracts, adding to the tension.
Despite calls for his removal, Ikenga insists he must remain in his position, claiming he needs to recoup his investment for a future governorship run.
Attempts by members to have him removed by the House leadership has met brick wall, as he has consistently boasted of paying $1.7 million to secure the committee chairman. It was gathered that Ikenga had earlier asked to be given the slot of Chairman on Banking, in order to protect the embattled ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, but was said to be shocked to hear to his name announced as the Chairman of Petroleum (Downstream) on the floor of the 10th House.
According to sources, Ikenga called the Speaker and threatened to set the nation on fire with information available to him if he dared remove him as the Chairman of Petroleum (Downstream) and Co-Chairman of the joint committee. He warned Abass of the consequences of doing such, considering how much he paid to secure the position.
Three committee members, who spoke to newsmen in confidence, said Ikenga has vowed to set the House of Reps into crisis if he is removed and has warned the leadership of the risk that comes with his removal.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has dissolved the joint committee, although the decision has not been officially announced.
The situation remains unresolved, as the committee’s future actions and the Speaker’s final decisions are awaited.
