The HallowMace Foundation, a pro-democracy and good governance advocacy group, has expressed strong reservations over the House of Representatives’ swift dismissal of bribery allegations leveled against some lawmakers by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Sunny Anderson Osiebe, the foundation criticized the House for rushing to defend its members without first conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims.
“The allegations made by Gambaryan are grave and demand serious attention. He has accused specific lawmakers of seeking significant payouts from Binance. If proven true, these claims would represent a severe breach of public trust and a violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the House’s responsibility to uphold due process and the rule of law, the foundation lamented that lawmakers had dismissed the accusations outright, relying solely on the assurances of the accused members.
HallowMace warned that such actions undermine public confidence in the legislature’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “Defending colleagues without first investigating the allegations raises concerns about whether the House is prioritizing the protection of its members over the pursuit of truth and justice,” the statement added.
To restore public trust, the foundation urged the House to take the following steps:
- Conduct an Independent Investigation – Set up a committee to thoroughly and impartially probe the allegations, gather evidence, and present its findings to the public.
- Suspend Accused Members Pending Investigation – Ensure that lawmakers named in the allegations step aside until investigations are concluded to demonstrate fairness and integrity.
- Engage Civil Society and the Public – Involve civil society organizations and the public in the inquiry process to promote transparency and build trust in the outcome.
- Prioritize National Interest Over Partisan Loyalty – Avoid defending colleagues without concrete evidence, as this erodes public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and accountability, urging the House to rise above partisan interests and address the 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,” the statement concluded.
The bribery allegations, which have sparked widespread public debate, emerged amid ongoing legal and diplomatic engagements involving Binance and Nigerian authorities. However, many Nigerians and civil society groups believed the matter should be investigated thoroughly to uphold the integrity of public institutions.
