HURIWA criticized the Nigerian government and lawmakers for handling bribery allegations related to a Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who claimed he was solicited for a $150 million bribe. They urged an independent investigation and suggested lawmakers provide video evidence to counter these claims. The government dismissed Gambaryan’s allegations as unsubstantiated while emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns about how the Federal Government and House of Representatives are managing the bribery allegations involving Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, who claimed he was solicited for a $150 million bribe. HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, is advocating for an independent investigation into these allegations, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination instead of dismissing the claims.
Gambaryan made provocative assertions on his social media regarding his meetings with Nigerian lawmakers, claiming that during these interactions, specific House members pressured him to comply with demands that involved a bribe. He alleged that three members, including Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, were involved in this dubious request, and criticized the setup of the meeting as substandard.
In a statement, Gambaryan expressed that the devaluation of the Nigerian naira was a consequence of the government’s monetary policies rather than an error by Binance, asserting that the removal of government controls led to economic decline, and he alleged that regulators unfairly targeted Binance.
Responding to the allegations, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, outrightly rejected Gambaryan’s claims, calling them baseless and highlighting that he visited Nigeria under the pretense of investigating currency manipulation involving Binance. Idris noted that the Nigerian government found Gambaryan’s allegations utterly lacking in credibility and motivated by a desire to intimidate officials.
Onwubiko criticized the rejection of these claims by the government, suggesting that accused lawmakers should pursue defamation cases and be prepared to face Gambaryan in court. He stated that instead of negating the allegations, an independent investigation should be launched to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.
HURIWA urged lawmakers accused of bribery to present video evidence from their meetings with Gambaryan to refute his allegations decisively. Onwubiko stressed that providing such evidence would counter Gambaryan’s claims and enhance transparency.
Lastly, the government and the implicated lawmakers are encouraged to conduct an independent inquiry about these bribery allegations, along with possible legal action against Gambaryan in both the Nigerian and U.S. legal systems.
HURIWA’s call for an independent investigation highlights the need for accountability concerning the bribery allegations against Nigerian lawmakers by Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan. The mixed responses from the government underline the complex interplay of claims and counterclaims. Transparency through evidence presentation and the pursuit of legal clarity could potentially enhance Nigeria’s international reputation during these investigations.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
