Members of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly have passed a motion ordering the arrest of some media aides to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed Tijjani, over corruption allegations made against its members.
The decision was taken on Tuesday, during the Assembly’s emergency sitting in Lafia.
The arrest order was sequel to a matter of urgent public importance raised by the chairman, House Committee on Information, Mohammed Omadefu.
The members alleged that the SSG sponsored his media aides to instigate members of the public against them, insinuating that N11 million was given to each Assembly member as a palliative for their constituents over COVID-19 pandemic.
The Speaker Ibrahim Abdullahi, who was visibly angry, gave the order for the arrest of the SSG’s aides after listening to members submissions on the matter.
According to the Speaker: “I have heard you all. I want to commend all of you for your positive contributions on this matter and your sacrifices so far, and show of understanding and support for the leadership of the house and support for Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“The reports on social media that the State Government has given us money as a palliative to our constituents over COVID-19 is unfortunate and false.
“Such reports are capable of creating confusion and are inciting us against our people.
“It is in view of this that the House passed the following resolutions:
“One, the House debunks the story circulating on social media that the state government has given members money for palliative for their constituents to cushion the effect of COVID-19.
“Secondly, the House call on the Executive arm to come out and make a statement to clear the air on the purported fund.
“The House mandates the chairman, House Committee on Security and Information to meet with the security agencies for the arrest of those involved in such acts for prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.”
Recall that the SSG is under probe by members of the Assembly for allegedly embezzling N1billion meant for renovation of schools in the state while serving as commissioner for education in the last administration.
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