The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges has been directed to investigate an allegation that lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party were given $50,000 to reject a motion to investigate the alleged smuggling of $9.3 million into South Africa.
The decision followed a point of order raised on Wednesday by a lawmaker, Albert Sam-Sokwa that the allegation, which was in a newspaper interview, breached his privilege as a member of the House of Representatives.
Honourable Ali Madaki, who granted the interview, is now to face the committee on ethics and privileges on the matter.
On Tuesday, opposition party member in the House of Representatives moved a motion seeking investigation into an alleged attempt to smuggle $9.3 million into South Africa. The motion led to a walkout by opposition lawmakers, after majority of the House members voted against the motion.
Another motion was also raised on Wednesday, but this time, it was described as a breach of privilege.
The Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who was presiding, called for caution on the part of the lawmakers before ruling that the allegation should be investigated.
The ruling, however, did not end the matter as the man in the eye of the storm sought to speak, but his request almost led to a rowdy session.
He was, however, allowed to speak after the situation was brought under control and he told the House that the newspaper organisation called him, questioning if he heard that the lawmakers were giving $50,000.
“I told them i heard that they were giving $20,000,” he said.
The deputy speaker, however, closed the matter by directing the committee on ethics and privileges to look into the matter and report back to the house in two weeks.
