The House of Representatives on Saturday urged Nigerians not to make hasty conclusions on the $150 million bribery allegation against some lawmakers by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive with the cryptocurrency platform, Binance Holdings Limited.
The American had on Friday alleged that three members of the House – Ginger Onwusibe, Philip Agbese and Peter Akpanke – demanded the payment of $150 million in cryptocurrency to prevent his prosecution for alleged tax evasion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Gambaryan on a five-count charge of tax evasion and other crimes in February last year.
He was however freed in October last year after the Federal Government dropped the charges.
The Nigerian government had since dismissed the Binance executive’s bribery allegation as misinformation.
In a statement signed by its Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, on Saturday the House urged Nigerians not to be swayed by “Recycled claims,” targeted at the county’s institutions and public servants.
The statement read: “The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.
“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“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.”