15th February, 2025
The Nigerian House of Representatives has explained why it will not make any comment on the bribery allegations made by Head of Financial Crime Compliance of Binance, Tigran Gambaryan against some of its members.
While noting that the allegations by Gambaryan against its members are serious, the House of Representatives in a statement by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Saturday, however,said the claim of bribery were directed at individuals and not the institution.
The House also noted that the bribery allegation has assumed legal dimension, hence, the law will be allowed to take its full course.
Rotimi, in the statement it described as the “institutional position of the House,” of the House said, “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 prioritized 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.
“As the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction and remains the subject of ongoing diplomatic engagements, the House will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.
“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.”
Some of the House of Representatives members accused of demanding by bribery by Gambaryan have denied the claim with threats to sue the American.
