I Was Offered N50m Bribe Over Probe –Lawmaker

The chairman, Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Lands and Housing, Pastor Remmy Hassan, has alleged that he was offered N50 million bribe by some political associates of the former Governor, Gbenga Daniel, to influence the outcome of the probe of the ex-governor’s land management while in office.

However, the two-term legislator has vowed not to sacrifice his integrity for personal gains in the ongoing probe of land allocations, sales, acquisition and revocation.

Hazzan, who represents Odogbolu State Constituency, made the revelation during the weekend in an interview with our correspondent, stressing that members of his committee will not succumb to pressure from any quarters in the on-going probe of some ministries for some personal gains.

The State House of Assembly had inaugurated a Legislative Inquiry Committee to look into land allocation, acquisition, revocation, revenue and sales of government properties during the Daniel administration between 2004 and 2011.

It was also alleged that less than 24 hours after Hazzan, who was the former deputy Speaker of the House in the 6th Legislature turned down the offer, former officials in the Daniel’s administration, requested for a private meeting with Hassan, who is also a pastor with the Redeemed Church of God outside the state.

A source disclosed to P.M.NEWS that Hazzan told the duo that he would be ready to meet them after the committee has completed and submitted its reports to the House.

According to Hazzan, “an anonymous caller put a call through to my phone and specifically told me that I stand to benefit if I could discontinue the investigation on Housing Corporation.

“The caller said that N50 million, some choice land, buildings and so many other incentives are on the table for negotiation. I told the person to come to my office and let’s talk. Till now, I have not seen the person. But of course, I am mindful of the fact that the fifth columnist may not be comfortable with what we are trying to do. It may be a set up like what happened during the power probe at the National Assembly.

“I waited for the person to come in order to know who is behind this but unfortunately the person did not show up.”

The committee chairman reassured that the committee remains unperturbed in its commitment to salvage the state from the rot already discovered during investigation.

—Abiodun Onafuye, Abeokuta