A member of the House of Representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aliyu Madaki, yesterday alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in both the House and the Senate have been bribed in US dollars to frustrate moves to probe the September 5 seizure of $9.3 million Nigerian Government money by South Africa.

A report this morning in Nigerian Tribune quoted Hon. Madaki as saying in an interview after yesterday’s sitting of the House: “As at today, it is no longer a rumour. I have the information that PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives received $20,000, while Senators received $50,000.”

The House witnessed a rowdy session on Tuesday over the killing of the motion on the $9.3 million, which the Presidency says was meant to procure arms and ammunition for a government security outfit from South Africa.

At the House yesterday, Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, had drawn the attention of members to reports quoting Hon. Madaki as alleging that PDP lawmakers were given $50,000 each to kill the motion on “The need to investigate the attempt to smuggle $9.3 million cash into South Africa.”

Hon. Sam-Tsokwa, who stood on Order VI Rule 20, which deals on privileges, noted that Honourable Madaki had committed a breach of privilege.

House Order VI Rule 20 reads: “Any member may rise at any time to speak upon a matter of privilege suddenly arising and he shall be prepared to move, without notice, a motion declaring that a contempt or breach of privilege has been committed or referring the matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, but if the matter is raised in Committee of the Whole House, the chairman shall leave the chair on an order to report the progress.”

Justifying the manner Tuesday’s motion was killed, Hon. Sam-Tsokwa stated that the way and manner the motion was treated was in line with the House rules.

According to him, “It is not to my knowledge that $50,000 was paid to me or any other member. My privilege as a honourable member had been breached. As I stated on Wednesday, infrastructure and related motions are not to be debated. It is contained in our rules.”

Hon. Madaki, however, refused to be cowed, saying: “What happened was that I received a call to confirm if members were given $50,000 each to kill the motion, I said that what I know is that members were given $20,000 each.”

Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the sitting, ruled that the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges should investigate the matter and report back in two weeks.

Going by House rules, Hon. Madaki could face two weeks suspension if he fails to prove his allegations before the committee.

•Photo shows Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

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