Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi has said the allegation by a crypto firm, Binance that three lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from the organisation was directed at individual members, not the institution itself.
The media has been awash with reports that the head, financial crime of Binance, Tigran Gambaryan in a post on X(formerly, Twitter) said three members of the House, Hons Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe allegedly demanded a $150 million bribe from him to avert his arrest and prosecution.
But the House Spokesperson at the weekend said the allegations, which had been previously circulated last year, are leveled against the named lawmakers and not the entire institution of the legislature.
Rotimi said the members named have assured the House leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported, adding that one of them has taken legal action to clear his name.
“The House of Representatives has taken note of recent media reports concerning bribery allegations made by a Binance official. Given the gravity of these claims, it is necessary to state the institutional position of the House.
“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.
“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.
“As the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction and remains the subject of ongoing diplomatic engagements, the House will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles,” he added.
