On October 30, 2007, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives finally bowed to pressure over the N628 million contract scandal after weeks of denying calls for her resignation.
Etteh, who was elected as the first female Speaker of the House, announced her resignation on the floor at exactly 12:47 pm.
In her resignation letter read amidst shouts and cheers from members, she said: “My dear colleagues, I have considered the recent developments in the House and the need to preserve the sanctity and integrity of this Honourable House. I hereby resign my position as Speaker with effect from today, October 30, 2007. I remain a loyal member representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency.”
The crisis that consumed her 4-month-old leadership followed allegations that she awarded contracts for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy, Hon. Babangida Nguroje, and the purchase of 10 official cars at an inflated cost of N628 million without due process.
The nine-man investigative panel headed by Hon. David Idoko, which probed the allegations, had indicted her and recommended her resignation, a report that split the House into pro and anti-Etteh camps.
Immediately after reading her resignation, Etteh handed over to her deputy, Nguroje, who also resigned minutes later. The House has adjourned till November 8 to elect a new Speaker, Dimeji Bankole.
