By Tordue Salem

ABUJA—Members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of Progressives, plotting the removal of Speaker, Dimeji Bankole have vowed to resist any plot to suspend them for demanding ‘accountability’ from their principal.

The lawmakers had last week released a document detailing an alleged inflation of costs of purchased items for lawmakers by the leadership of the lower House.

One of the key members of the Group, Rep. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, in a statement yesterday, accused the Speaker of using sectionalism and religion to get back at people demanding that he accounts for his stewardship.

He said, “recent allegations made against the leadership of the House by the Progressives with respect to the misuse of public funds and non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act, the House leadership has commenced the mobilization of members (using religion and region) to suspend members of the Progressives for exercising their fundamental human rights under the constitution to expose corruption and waste.”

He said all lawmakers in the chamber must enjoy their rights under relevant statutes to demand better leadership, adding that the Progressives would resist any attempt to stop them.

“All members have their privileges to demand accountability and to question improper act of leadership protected by the legislative (Houses) and privileges act and legislative customs worldwide.

“The allegations of corruption have nothing to do with any religion or region. They stand on their own and should be answered independently. We urge our colleagues to shun this campaign.

“We wish to inform the public that the Progressive would legally resist any attempt to intimidate them by threat of suspension and suppress the truth. We call on all Nigerians to protect our democracy and guarantee the right to freedom of expression and thought, which comes with all democratic regimes.”…accuse Speaker of using religion to evade probe