Senate Condemns Blackmail, Vows Legal Action Against Misinformation Campaigns Targeting Leadership
The Senate has issued a statement condemning what it calls “vicious attempts” to damage its and its leadership’s reputation. The statement, released by the Senate Leader’s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, criticized recent efforts to erode public trust in the National Assembly. Specifically addressing a petition against Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate warned that it will not tolerate further blackmail or false claims against its members and is considering stronger measures in response.
The Senate has responded to a recent petition filed with Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which accuses Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele of misconduct. The petition, submitted by David Udoh, Convener of the Public Procurement Transparency Group, alleges that Bamidele pressured Mr. Abba Aliyu, Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to award contracts to companies linked to the Senator, contravening the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
In its response, the Senate dismissed these allegations as unfounded and lacking credible evidence. The REA has also issued a statement refuting the claims, clarifying that its management has not faced any pressure to compromise its procurement processes.
Bamidele’s office has emphasized the growing issue of “cheap blackmail” by anonymous individuals and groups who use social media to spread false information.
The statement underscores concerns about the increasing use of these platforms to launch unfounded attacks and misinformation. The Senate Leader’s media team has reported that preliminary investigations reveal the Public Procurement Transparency Group is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and its Convener, David Udoh, is untraceable with a non-functional phone. It has also been confirmed that no petition from the group has been submitted to the ICPC.
The Senate has issued a warning against those spreading misinformation, emphasizing that Nigeria operates under a federal system governed by the Constitution, National Assembly Acts, and judicial precedents. The Senate Leader’s office plans to take legal action against anyone guilty of blackmailing the Senate or its leaders. The statement criticized the use of social media to disseminate falsehoods that damage both the National Assembly’s reputation and Nigeria’s international standing, and stressed that blackmail will no longer be tolerated. The Senate has announced a firm stance against blackmail, stating that from now on, any attempts to undermine the Senate, its leadership, or the National Assembly will be taken very seriously.
The Senate vowed to address such infractions strictly within the bounds of existing laws. Those found guilty of blackmailing the Senate or its members will face severe legal consequences. create headline for whole news.
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