The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, has said the National Assembly would not be distracted by criticism from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The former President had in a letter dated January 13 accused the National Assembly leadership of financial recklessness and insensitivity to the declining state of the country’s economy.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, Namdas said the lawmakers had tremendous respect for 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.
Namdas said: “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.”
Commenting on the alleged sharing of N50 million and 150 motorcycles to all members by the House leadership, Namdas said the matter would be investigated.
Namdas said the House would take appropriate steps when the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges turned in its report after the House reconvenes in two weeks time.
He said since the allegation was a serious one, it would not be left to lie low.
