BINANCE BRIBERY ALLEGATION: Civil Organization Queries House’s Hasty Defense, Calls For Investigation

HallowMace Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy, transparency, and good governance has  expressed deep concern over the recent response of the House of Representatives to the bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance.

The organization in a press statement e-sign by his Executive Director,Sunny Anderson Osiebe and made available to press men says The House Of Representatives’ Hasty Defense Of Lawmakers Amid Bribery Allegations raises concern and its troubling that an institution upholding due process, the rule of law, constitutional oversight has rushed to defend it’s members without first conducting a thorough and impactial investigation into the allegation.

The statement in full reads…

HallowMace Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy, transparency, and good governance has  expressed deep concern over the recent response of the House of Representatives to the bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance.

While we acknowledge the House’s commitment to upholding due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight, we find it troubling that the institution has rushed to defend its members without first conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.

The allegations made by Gambaryan are grave and demand serious attention. He has accused specific lawmakers, in seeking significant payouts from Binance. These claims, if proven true, would represent a severe breach of public trust and a violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.

However, instead of initiating an independent inquiry to ascertain the veracity of these allegations, the House has chosen to dismiss them outright, citing the assurances of the accused lawmakers and emphasizing that the matter is now a subject of diplomatic engagement and legal proceedings. While we respect the judicial process and diplomatic protocols, we believe that the House, as a representative institution, has a duty to ensure that its members are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Rushing to defend colleagues without first investigating the allegations undermines public confidence in the House’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It also raises questions about whether the institution is prioritizing the protection of its members over the pursuit of truth and justice.

We urge the House of Representatives to take the following steps:
1. Conduct an Independent Investigation: The House should establish an independent committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly and impartially. This committee should be empowered to gather evidence, interview relevant parties, and present its findings to the public.

2. Suspend Accused Members Pending Investigation: In line with best practices for accountability, the lawmakers named in the allegations should step aside from their duties until the investigation is concluded. This would demonstrate the House’s commitment to fairness and integrity.

3. Engage Civil Society and the Public: The House should involve civil society organizations and the public in the investigation process to ensure transparency and build trust in the outcome.

4. Prioritize National Interest Over Partisan Loyalty: The House must prioritize the national interest and the fight against corruption over partisan or institutional loyalty. Defending colleagues without evidence only serves to erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

HallowMace Foundation reiterates its commitment to promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria. We call on the House of Representatives to rise above partisan interests and demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by addressing these allegations with the seriousness they deserve.

The Nigerian people deserve leaders who are accountable, transparent, and committed to the fight against corruption. We urge the House to take this opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to these principles. Osiebe said.