The member representing Pankshin,Kanke, Kanam federal constituency Hon Yusuf Gagdi moved a motion on the urgent need to respond to the deliberate attempt by a member of the British House of Commons to rubbish the image of former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon Rtd. and it was seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide.

In a statement signed by Gagdi media team, the Rep. Gagdi stated that the utterance of the member of the British Parliament who leads the committee on foreign affairs alleged without substantiating his claims that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon who is represented in the House by Rep. Gagdi had looted the central bank of Nigeria and transferred the same funds outside Nigeria. Rep. Gagdi wondered why a seasoned parliamentarian would utter such unsubstantiated claims possible of inciting violence in Nigeria. He called on the Speaker of the House to write to the speaker of the British Parliament and express the displeasure of the House at the libellous statement against the well respected Nigerian leader. He also called for a public apology from the parliamentarian who made the allegations. Rep. Gagdi also called for the invitation of the British High commissioner to Nigeria to explain to the House why the member of parliament has not retracted his statement despite repeated calls from well-meaning Nigerians. Rep. Gagdi expressed sadness at what he termed the deliberate aim of smearing the good reputation gained over the years by General Yakubu Gowon, and diminish the role of the elder statesman for all Nigerians.

Rep. Kingsley Chinda proposed an amendment to the prayer of the motion to urge the committee on inter-parliamentary relations and that on foreign affairs to investigate the issue as the statement emanated from the committee level and is not the official position of the entire British parliament.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila noted that the statement was indeed unfortunate as statements in parliament should be used as shields for the people and not as swords aiming to sow discord among nations and people. He affirmed that the resolution as made by the House will be conveyed to the British parliament accordingly.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

Culled from the House Plenary Proceedings of Tuesday, 1-12-2020.

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HON YUSUF GAGDI MOVED A MOTION TO DEFEND THE UNBLEMISHED INTEGRITY OF GEN YAKUBU GOWON AGAINST AN BY A MEMBER OF THE UK PARLIAMENT WHO WANTED TO DISTORT HISTORY