Reps To Probe Extortion Of Money From Job Seekers

The House of Representatives has directed its Joint Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Anti-corruption, National Ethics and Values and Establishment to investigate alleged extortion of money from job seekers.

The joint committee has three weeks within which to report its findings.

This resolution followed a motion by Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP- Kogi) which was unanimously adopted in Abuja on Wednesday.

Leading the debate, Yusuf alleged that para-military outfits were indulging in this unwholesome practice, adding that shortlisted candidates were asked to provide items such as T-shirts and canvasses for their training.

He said that desperate and helpless job seekers had fallen prey to the negative attitude of officials in charge of recruitment in the affected agencies.

According to him, between N5,000 and N200,000 are demanded from desperate job seekers.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the alleged extortion had not abated as the number of job seekers increase every year, stressing the need to halt the prevailing situation.

Peter Akpatason (ACN- Edo) said employment was being offered on the basis of cash and carry in place of merit or competence.

He stressed the need to investigate it, saying the victims would come up with startling revelations that would assist the joint the committee in carrying out its assignment.

Uzor Azubuike (PDP-Abia) said members of the National Assembly were being blackmailed by MDAs, by asking the prospective candidates to bring along letters of recommendation from the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the House has congratulated President Barrack Obama on his re-election for a second term in office.

This was sequel to a motion by Friday Itulah, which was unanimously adopted.

Supporting the motion, Rep. Samson Osagie (ACN- Edo), said there were lessons to learn from the just concluded U.S. presidential election.

Other members who supported the motion included Nnenna Ukeje (PDP-Abia), Andrew Uchendu (PDP- Rivers) and Abike Dabiri- Erewa (ACN- Lagos).