Ex-Bauchi Assembly Dep Speaker Faults Report on EFCC Invitation

The former Deputy Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Mr. Saleh Dumba, has debunked reports that he benefited from money collected on behalf of Dass Local Government’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the 2015 general elections. Dumba, in a statement by his Media Consultant, Mr. Kemjika H. Kemjika, said although he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, he never said he benefited from the cash gift. He said: “There is no iota or grain of truth in the story. My political opponents are strenuously at work to tarnish my remarkable image, earned over the years before the 2019 general elections, fearing his towering political clout will constitute obstacles for them before 2019. “Prior to the 2015 elections, Bauchi State PDP, through Alhaji Garba Dahiru, disbursed N12 million to Dass council PDP stakeholders for the success of PDP. Honourable Dumba acted as a witness and signatory to the Dass PDP stakeholders before the money could be released from the state party. He did not collect, share or benefit from the money. “The former Deputy Speaker affirms that at no point, during his invitation and interrogation by the EFCC, did he admit collecting money for election purposes. The issue of N500 million does not arise. Those interrogated with him before the EFCC exonerated Dumba from benefiting from the money. “In view of the foregoing explanation, the slanderous publication by a section of the media has caused serious reputational damage to Honourable Dumba. His political supporters across Nigeria and beyond have called to inquire about the truth of the matter. “The distinguished former lawmaker believes in press freedom, rule of law and fight against corruption, but will seek legal redress if there is a malicious publication against his personality

Source: Vanguard