The House of Representatives has urged Nigerians to rely on verified information regarding the $150 million bribery allegations against three of its members. The lawmakers cautioned the public against being misled by what they described as “recycled claims” targeting Nigerian institutions and public officials.
The controversy stems from accusations made by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial compliance, who alleged that Nigerian lawmakers Ginger Onwusibe, Philip Agbese, and Peter Akpanke demanded a bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution for financial crimes. However, the accused legislators have strongly denied the claims, stating they will take legal action to clear their names.
In response to the allegations, the House of Representatives released an official statement through its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, stressing the importance of relying on facts rather than unverified reports.
The statement read in part, “The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“As an independent arm of government, the House upholds due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight. These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself.
“The Honourable members named have assured the House leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations.”
The statement also said, “It is also important to highlight that, with the active involvement of both the Nigerian and United States governments, this matter has evolved into a government-to-government engagement. Notably, in the course of high-level diplomatic discussions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has prioritised national interest over external commercial pressure, including rejecting financial settlement offers from Binance.
“These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”
