BINANCE BRIBERY CLAIM TARGETS MEMBERS, NOT HOUSE OF REPS

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The House of Representatives says the claims of bribery by a Binance official Tigran Gambaryan were only directed at some members and not the lawmaking body.

Gambaryan had alleged that some reps had asked for a $150 million bribe during the impasse between the crypto platform and the Federal Government, a claim the Nigerian authorities have dismissed.

But in a statement on Saturday, the spokesman of the House of Representatives Akin Rotimi (Jr) said, “These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself.”

It described the allegations as hefty, thus requiring clarification.

“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,” the statement added.

According to him, with the US and Nigerian governments involved in the matter, the issue has now “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.”

The House of Reps said since the claim has been taken to court and is a “matter of ongoing diplomatic engagements,” the lower lawmaker body “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 statement read.

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”