We won’t be distracted by Obasanjo’s letter — Reps

The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, has said that the House would not be distracted by criticisms by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr. Obasanjo had in a letter dated January 13, accused the National Assembly of financial recklessness and insensitivity to the declining state of the country’s economy.

Mr. Namdas (Adamawa-APC) reacted to the letter at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the lawmakers had tremendous respect for Mr. Obasanjo, adding that they would not join issues with him since he was exercising his right to freedom of expression.

He explained that the letter by the former president might not have been meant for the 8th Assembly but rather the 4th or 5th Assemblies.

“We have tremendous respect for the former president. We don’t want to be distracted by letters.

“Probably the letter is not meant for the eighth Assembly because we have queued in with President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I think the letter is meant for the fourth or fifth Assembly. It was misdirected,’’ Mr. Namdas said.

Commenting on the alleged sharing of N50 million and 150 motorcycles to all members by the House Leadership, he said the matter would be investigated.

Mr. Namdas said that the House would take appropriate steps when the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges turned in its report after the House reconvened in two weeks’ time.

He said that since the allegation was a serious one, it would not be left to lie low.

NAN also reports that the House adjourned plenary till Feb. 16, to enable members engage officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on budget defence sessions. (NAN)