N’Assembly won’t cover up corrupt members –Mark

by OLUWOLE JOSIAH 

President of the Senate, David Mark, has said members of the National Assembly found to be corrupt in the discharge of their duties will not be protected by the institution.

He, however, said the legislature would not be blackmailed into stopping the discharge of its oversight functions.

Mark said these while addressing members of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lagos on Friday.

He warned members of the public against compromising lawmakers in the execution of their legislative duties, even as he stressed that the National Assembly would continue to endeavour to meet the expectations of the electorate.

He also said the allegation of corruption against the National Assembly was exaggerated.

He said, “There are those who say the National Assembly takes the bulk of the budget. This is very ridiculous. I know that what goes to the National Assembly is not more than 2.5 per cent of the total budget.

“The National Assembly members are always accused of being corrupt, but Nigerians to a large extent are responsible for this alleged corruption.

“If a businessman gives a bribe to a lawmaker is it only the lawmaker that is corrupt? If the business man didn’t offer the bribe, the lawmaker will not accept. But the question remains: why did he accept it? If our National Assembly members are found wanting, we will discipline them.

“We will cleanse our house to earn the respect of those that elected us into our respective offices. We will continue to clean our house and those who bring us to shame will get their punishments accordingly.”

According to Mark, the legislature as an arm of government is on a steady growth and is improving everyday.

He added that the rancour that characterised the legislative houses between 1999 and 2003 had been reduced.

Mark said, “We would continue to improve on legislative business until we attain a level where the average Nigerian will be satisfied with our performance.”

He advised members of the LCCI to participate in the public hearing on the forthcoming Constitution review exercise.

Earlier, the President of the LCCI, Chief Goodie Ibru, had urged the National Assembly particularly the Senate to fast-track the process of passing the Petroleum Industry Bill as well as the amendment to the Land Use Act.