Reps Halt Probe of NILDS DG Due to Lack of Proof

The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has stopped looking into a petition against Suleiman Abubakar, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). This decision came after the petitioners could not provide evidence to back their claims.

The committee took this action on Thursday during a hearing in Abuja. The petitioners failed to show any documents proving that Abubakar took part in the APC governorship primary election in Kwara State while still in office.

Yusuf Galambi, the committee chairman, said they could not go on with the investigation just based on accusations. He said they needed reliable proof before reaching any decision.

He instructed the petitioners to bring relevant documents. These include party records, nomination forms, and expression-of-interest forms that are supposedly connected to the director-general.

Galambi explained that the committee's role is to find the truth, not to act on guesses or unverified claims. "The committee is unable to proceed in the absence of credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations before us," he said.

This probe started after the House raised concerns about public office holders following the rules when engaging in political activities. The resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Salisu Yusuf (APC, Katsina) and 12 other lawmakers.

Yusuf told the House that public records showed that Abubakar bought nomination forms, went through screening, and took part in the APC governorship primary election in Kwara State. The lawmakers argued that his actions did not align with public service rules, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and a presidential directive that says political appointees and public officials must resign if they want to run for office by March 31.

The House then asked its Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation to look into the allegations and report back within a week. The lawmakers are specifically checking if Abubakar contested or participated in the governorship primary without quitting his position first, as the law requires.

Galambi said the committee would decide on further invitations after looking at any new evidence presented by the petitioners. He added that the investigation would keep going even if the NILDS Director-General does not show up, as an official invitation has already been sent to him.

Earlier, committee member Harrison Anozie (APC, Imo) criticized Abubakar for not coming to the hearing. He said all parties involved were invited to help the committee and ensure fairness.

"He ought to be here to state his own side of the story. A proper notice was served on him, and ample time was given for him to appear before this committee," Anozie said.

Despite Abubakar's absence, Anozie insisted that the investigation should not stop. Another committee member, Chinedu Obika (NDC, FCT), asked if the petitioners had video recordings or any direct evidence showing the NILDS chief took part in the primary election.

In response, Williams Amuga of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), speaking for the petitioners, admitted that the allegations were based on reports and materials shared on social media.

After this exchange, the committee paused the hearing and told the petitioners to bring more evidence before the matter could move forward.