WHO PROBES THE "PROBERS"?

The members of the National Assembly have been implicated in the ongoing probe of the NDDC by the Minister supervising the Commission, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State did not mix, miss or mince words when he loudly and boldly told the world that bulk of the contracts running into N81bn under probe by the House Committee were awarded to some lawmakers.

Akpabio was unambiguous. He was emphatic. He was clear. He was clinical. He was ruthless. He daring. He damning. He left all dazed, dazzled and dumbfounded. The member of the probe committee who managed to recover from Akpabio's sucker punch, was merely screaming in a tone that sounded more like an appeal, "It's okay. It's okay. It's okay Mr. Minister. Honourable Minister it's okay. Please Minister, switch off your microphone".

Obviously, the appealing probe panel member doesn't want Akpabio to vomit more. He has heard enough. The world shouldn't know more. The wind has blown ferociously and the backside of the hen is in public view.

The damage was already done. The world was worried. The world was concerned. The world wanted to know what really happened. The world wanted to hear the lawmakers' side of the story. Was it true that the lawmakers were involved in the whole sleazy deals? If ttue, who are or were the lawmakers involved in this scandalous misconduct and misappropriation of public funds?

But why would the dog eat the bone under its custody? Is Akpabio just attempting to rubbish the lawmakers and the whole process of the probe? But why would Akpabio do such to his former colleagues who gave him express nod or approval during his screening as ministerial nominee?

Indeed, there may be more to this probe than meet the eyes. The lawmakers need to clear their names. In saner climes, government must get to the root of this probe. It won't sweep it under the carpet. It is necessary for this government to deal with this probe fully and squarely especially when we consider it's posture in the war against corruption.

Should this probe end up like others before it then, it would have cast an unbelievable dark shadow on the corruption war as professed by this government. It will be a huge dent, a remarkable stain, an indelible mark and an ugly scar on the body and image of this government.

But who will probe the lawmakers? Who will question them over or about the allegations levelled against them by Akpabio? Who would ask the dog why it ate the bone under its custody?