One of the lawmakers mentioned in the allegations of sexual misconduct involving some members of the House of Representatives, Samuel Ikon, has formally written to the United States ambassador, Mr. James Entwistle, denying complicity in soliciting for prostitutes.
Ikon, who represents Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Ubium Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom, is the chairman of House Committee on Inter Parliamentary Affairs. In the letter dated June 21 and made available to New Telegraph, Ikon described the allegations as “false and in bad taste”.
The letter reads in part: “It is with a deep sense of sadness and great hurt that I write to respond to a letter dated June 9, 2016 addressed to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, copied to me and signed by you, alleging that I, Hon. Samuel Ikon with Hon. Mark Gbillah requested hotel parking attendants assist us solicit for prostitutes.
“Let me state unequivocally sir, that this allegation is not just false, but in bad taste. I, Hon. Samuel Ikon, never on that trip, nor on any trip to the US or anywhere in this world, ever sought to consort with prostitutes. This act would not only be inimical to my health, but totally unacceptable to my faith.
“May I draw your attention, Mr. Ambassador, to the fact that I almost did not make that trip due to my state of health, a situation that was well known to your mission accompanying staff, Mrs. Victoria Ibi.
Even at the airport before our departure, I still was not sure, but travelled due to the deep respect and appreciation I had at the time for the US government nominating me for the programme on one hand, and the fact that I carried necessary medication for the malaria and typhoid that I was diagnosed of.
“Mr. Ambassador, I was miserable throughout our stay in Washington DC and only got a bit stable in Cleveland when the medication began to kick in. Secondly, I was at the same time on medication to reduce my DSA which tests in February this year had indicated a disturbing increase thus the issue of sex was totally ruled out for me in view of my health (laboratory results available if needed). I therefore find it funny and unacceptable to be so linked as in your letter.”
The lawmaker insisted that “I have another proof of my innocence which will completely tear down this false conclusion, but will leave it out for a later time should you fail to redeem my integrity and I am forced to take legal action.”
Addressing the allegations specifically, he stated that: “I wish to categorically state that at no time did I either alone, or in the company of Hon. Mark Gbillah, a gentlemen with impeccable moral standing, approach any parking lot staff or any hotel staff for that matter, to assist me solicit for prostitutes. It never happened nor was ever intended or thought of. “I am an elder in my Church since 2006 and clearly knows the tenets and doctrines of my faith, one of which abhors such desires for prostitutes as such very offensive to be so linked.
“I therefore find this false allegation condemnable, repugnant and totally unacceptable to me.” Querying the mode of investigation, the lawmaker said: “Most distressing is the statement in your letter that your mission took pains to confirm this allegation and my identity. How can you confirm it to be my identity when I never had such an encounter with any hotel staff ?
“Moreover, how did you come to such conclusion without any fair hearing as you never sought my own view or account? Not driving a car myself, what would I be doing at the parking lot area, to then meet a staff there for such discussions? “I never sought anyone’s help to get prostitutes, I never had need for prostitutes, my health situation especially at the time could not have allowed such desires. My faith abhors such desires; I have never desired a prostitute.
“I wish to draw your attention to the fact that it was myself and Hon. Mark Gbillah that sought to travel with our wives, but your mission advised against it. Yet, my reason for wanting to travel with my wife was because of my health condition at the time of the trip.
“Worthy to note is the fact that there was a basketball match that period and the hotel had a lot of guests. As such, this may be a case of mistaken identity. I couldn’t even attend the game due to my state of health, as my body couldn’t stand the chill weather for long.
“I therefore urge that you review this case within seven days, taking a more detailed look at the evidences available for such, like video recordings, especially audio showing time and date of such discussions. So, you can realise that a mistake has been made here and my integrity restored, else I will be seeking legal redress in competent courts of law both in Nigeria and in the US.”
