Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the federal house of representatives, says there is yet no evidence against the three members of the federal house of representatives accused of sexual misconduct in the United States.

James Entwistle, the US ambassador to Nigeria, had written to Speaker Yakubu Dogara alleging that three reps were accused of rape and soliciting prostitutes while on a US visitor programme in April 2016.

But Mark Gbillah, one of the named reps, subsequently wrote to the ambassador to protest the allegations, demanding the “full video/CCTV footage covering the period of their entire stay at the hotel, saying “this should clearly show the movements and activities of every member of the group throughout the hotel”.

Speaking on the matter on Saturday, Dogara, through a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, his spokesman, urged Nigerians to refrain from passing judgment and wait for the outcome of investigation by the parliament.

“Judgment can only be passed when an allegation is proven,” he said.

He maintained that as ambassadors of the House and indeed, the entire country, the accused members would have known not to bring dishonour to the institution they represent.

He vowed that the House would conduct an investigation into allegations, saying: “Together with the US Embassy in Nigeria, we will get to the bottom of this matter.”

The speaker further explained that apart from the letter, no evidence had been forwarded to his office, and that there could be no conviction without a trial.

He also indicated that the lawmakers had expressed preparedness to defend themselves at their own cost.

“We await the result of the investigation into the matter,” he added.

Ezedon:
There's atom of truth in every rumour

pontirock:
These reps are still innocent until proven guilty

vodutive:
If you ask me, I think it is possible there is some element of truth but I beleive the US bleeped up by making it public because I am almost certain they have no evidence, it's a question of he said, she said and in that respect it shows they don't think much of us (I don't blame them we dont help ourselves) but it's undiplomatic. Who on earth revokes the visa of 3 federal assembly members based on the words of a car park attendant? I mean c'mon!!!!!!!! You may not respect the individuals but you show respect to the office they hold.

neocortex:


There is no respect for law breakers!
It is a similar offense that led to the downfall of Dominis kahn from the IMF.
It is logical that the law should side with the weak not the powerful, because the
powerful can defend themselves.

Whether they are attendant or garbage packers they are humans and shouldn't
be harassed(if true).

truthspeaks:
As usual he (Dogara) as a Nigerian politician wants to shield the culprits because US will jst wake up and accuse d Reps members cos they want to gain wat? Anyway, tnk God Dogara can't reverse their visa cancellation unless he wants to his future visas cancelled. Wat a country

vodutive:


Please we have our issues, the men are probably guilty, but Americans are full of shit too! Americans can be racists, many dont like blacks, many can't tell us apart. You cant preach innocenct till proven guilty and then convict in a Kangaroo court based on flimsy evidence of the word of mouth of one man!

or is America saying that our federal legislators were bugged in which case that opens a new can of worms ala Ed Snowden....why are they bugging their visitors?