The three are Deputy Chairman, Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Mr. Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue); Mr. Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom); and Mr. Mohammed Garba-Gololo (APC, Bauchi).
The session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, passed a formal resolution directing the Committees on Ethics/Privileges, Foreign Relations to investigate the allegation.
But, lawmakers were also categorical in saying that the three remained innocent until a case was established against them.
The development confirmed an exclusive report by The PUNCH that the House would endorse a resolution on Tuesday (yesterday) to commence the investigation, though the Committee on Ethics/Privileges had been put on the alert since Friday last week to prepare for the referral.
As Tuesday’s session started, it was one of the accused, Gbillah, who raised a point of “privilege,” quoting Order six (20)(22) of the House’ rules.
He drew the attention of the House to the events of the past few days, recalling that the media carried stories on the alleged sex scandal.
Gbillah added that the stories flowed from what was supposed to be a “private letter” between Dogara and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, wherein the latter raised the allegation.
The lawmaker stated, “I stand before you here to say categorically that no such incident occurred. I want it on record that we (three) will bear this cross fully.
“It is a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the House and Nigeria. I love my wife and I have never cheated on her.”
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