The All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House of Representatives on Tuesday staged a walkout on the rest of the House over a failed attempt to push through a motion seeking to debate the controversial $9.3 m recently seized by the South African Government.
The controversial sum about (N1.5 Billion) was found in three suitcases with two Nigerians and an Israelis last week in a private jet owned by the National President of the Christians Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
The CAN President has denied having knowledge of the arm deal, while the Federal Government has admitted involvement in the weapon transaction.
The APC Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Ismaila Kawu, representing Kawu federal constituency of Kano, had moved a motion urging for a debate on the incident.
Deputy Speaker, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha who presided over the plenary then put the matter into a voice in which the majority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers voted ‘No’ .
Following its defeat, APC members decided to leave the chamber amid accusations that their colleagues in the PDP have been bribed to oppose the motion.
Proceedings were held up for over 10 minutes following allegations of bribery against lawmakers that kicked against debate on the matter.
The APC lawmakers insist the Federal Government has some explaining to do, urging their PDP colleagues not to sweep the matter under the carpet.
Last week, South African authorities dismissed the Nigerian Government’s explanation about the purpose of the huge funds, which was seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli for flawed discrepancies
The Federal Government had submitted relevant data and transaction details to the South African authorities, insisting that the seized funds were not laundered or smuggled for any covert operation.
