ynaijaNews:
The House Representatives has said its members will appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged budget padding, if some conditions are met, The Nation reports.

According to the newspaper, the lower chamber has asked the agency to send the invitation of its members over the alleged N284 billion budget padding through Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

It said its Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, would not appear before EFCC if that condition is not met.

In a letter through its clerk, the lower chamber reportedly the agency has to request for the release of Leo Ogor or any other member through the Speaker.

[Read Also: [THE LEGISLATIVE BLOG]: EFCC INVITES JIBRIN FOR ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION ON BUDGET PADDING]

About 13 members, including four principal officers, are in the first batch of those already slated for questioning

A source in the EFCC said: “We have received a letter from the Clerk to the House claiming that he was directed by the Speaker to tell the EFCC that Ogor or any Representative be invited through the Speaker.

“We don’t know what informed such a notice but the Clerk was saying it is the norm. We are weighing options including exhausting all hurdles laid by the House.

“We may write the House but at the end if Ogor and other lawmakers refuse to honour our invitation, we will effect their arrest.

“No member of the House has constitutional immunity from investigation and prosecution.”

Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin who was suspended for the allegations had appeared last week for a five-hour grilling on the allegations.