By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has asked petitioners accusing the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, of alleged participation in a governorship primary election while still in office to substantiate their claims with credible evidence before the inquiry can proceed.
The directive was issued on Thursday during an investigative hearing in Abuja, by the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Galambi, where he noted that the petitioners had yet to present sufficient documentary proof to support their allegations. 
Galambi explained that the hearing could not continue in the absence of verifiable materials capable of establishing a ‘prima facie’ case.
The investigation stems from a resolution of the House, which emphasised the need to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and public service rules governing the conduct of political office holders and their involvement in electoral activities.
The committee was mandated to examine claims that the NILDS Director-General allegedly took part in a governorship primary election without first resigning his appointment, as required under relevant laws and civil service regulations.
As part of its directive, the committee chairman instructed the petitioners to return with concrete documentation, including political party records, nomination papers, and forms of expression of interest purportedly linked to the NILDS boss, before any further consideration of the matter.
“The committee is unable to proceed in the absence of credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations before us,” he said.
He said the committee would consider issuing another invitation to the NILDS boss after receiving the required evidence.
Galambi, however, maintained that the committee would proceed with the investigation regardless of the Director-General’s appearance, noting that a formal invitation had been duly extended to him and that his absence would not impede the panel’s work.
Lawmakers questioned the absence of the Director-General of NILDS ss a member of the committee, Rep. Harrison Anozie, expressed concern that the NILDS chief failed to honour the committee’s invitation despite what he described as adequate notice.
“In the matter referred to this committee, we have extended invitations to all parties, especially the DG, who has been alleged to have participated in a political process without resigning his appointment as required by the Constitution and the directive of Mr President,” Anozie said.
He stressed that the Director-General had been given sufficient time to appear and respond to the allegations.
“He ought to be here to state his own side of the story. A proper notice was served on him, and ample time was given for him to appear before this committee,” he said.
Despite the absence, Anozie insisted that the committee will not allow its work to be derailed.
In the course of proceedings, Rep. Chinedu Obika pressed the petitioners on whether they had any video evidence to back claims that the NILDS boss participated in the primary election in question.
Responding on behalf of the petitioners, Williams Amuga of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) said their allegations were based on reports and publications circulating on social media.
Following deliberations, the committee suspended the hearing and directed the petitioners to provide additional and verifiable evidence before the matter could proceed further.
